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Fujimori arrested in Chile

SANTIAGO: Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori was arrested early on Monday, hours after defying an international arrest warrant by flying from Japan to Chile. Mr. Fujimori (67), was taken into custody on orders from a Chilean judge, police said. He was in ``good condition, although he showed a moderate high blood pressure'' when examined, said Police Chief Mariela Gomez, head the Chilean section of Interpol. Lawyers for Mr. Fujimori reportedly were appealing the arrest, which had been requested by the Peruvian Government as a first step toward seeking his extradition. Mr. Fujimori, who fled Lima in 2000 amid a growing corruption scandal, faces 21 charges in Peru stemming from alleged corruption and his alleged support of a paramilitary death squad. He resigned from the Peruvian presidency in a fax sent from Japan, which had granted him citizenship. He landed in Chile mid-afternoon on Sunday — his first trip back to South America since fleeing Peru five years earlier. Hours later, Peruvian Ambassador Jose Antonio Meier formally requested Mr. Fujimori's arrest. Judge Orlando Alvarez then ordered Mr. Fujimori detained. A small group of demonstrators, including Peruvians, rallied peacefully in Mr. Fujimori's support. — AP

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