Former Peruvian president found guilty

07/04/09 20:22 CET

world news

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Peru’s former President Alberto Fujimori has been jailed for 25 years having been found guilty of ordering kidnappings and two massacres in which 25 people were murdered.

A three-judge panel convicted him of instructing a military death squad to carry out the killings while Peru was engaged in a bitter civil war with the Maoist Shining Path. Supporters of the 70-year-old claimed the 15-month trial was based on nothing but rumor and gossip. However, international observers said the process was fair. Fujimori remains a popular figure in Peru, during his time in office his government defeated the Shining Path and brought an ecomony devastated by rampant inflation under control. However, his critics claim he rode roughshod over human rights. He is expected to appeal.More about: Alberto Fujimori, Peru

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…