Doctors conclude that Fujimori can serve his sentence.

Renata Giraldi
Agency Brazil

Brasilia – The Peruvian Penitentiary Medical Board concluded that former President Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000), 74, shows no evidence of cancer. The experts conducted the examination at the request of his family and supporters, who are demanding that the former president serve his sentence under house arrest. Fujimori is serving a 25-year prison sentence for corruption and crimes against humanity.

The commission's report, released yesterday (24) in Lima, the Peruvian capital, will be presented to the President of Peru, Ollanta Humala, who has the final say on granting the humanitarian pardon – which would allow Fujimori to serve his sentence under house arrest. For the former president's family and supporters, remaining in prison could worsen his health. The pardon request was submitted to the Peruvian government five months ago.

A panel of 12 doctors examined the former president. Their report states that Fujimori had tongue cancer, but there is no current evidence of the disease. In addition, he reportedly has controlled hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, chronic gastritis, a pancreatic cyst, a hernia, and spinal problems. The experts also said that the former president suffers from depression. The panel included five psychiatrists.

Fujimori's relatives and supporters argued that he needs medical care and should therefore serve his sentence at home. They requested the right to a humanitarian pardon, which is granted by the President of the Republic.

According to presidential pardon regulations, humanitarian pardons are recommended only for those who are terminally ill and those suffering from serious, advanced, degenerative, incurable diseases that could be aggravated by imprisonment.

Based on information from the Peruvian public news agency, Andina.

Edited by: Davi Oliveira