Peru Reopens Probe of Forced Sterilizations

Peru's chief prosecutor's office has ordered the reopening of an investigation into the forced sterilizations of thousands of women during the 1990-2000 government of Alberto Fujimori.

Peru's new government informed the InterAmerican Commission of Human Rights this week that it is reviving the case. A previous government had shelved it.

Human rights groups say they have proof 2,000 women were forcibly sterilized, but they believe the number is as high as 200,000. Most lived in rural areas and rights groups say the sterilizations were accomplished through deception.

Fujimori is serving a 25-year prison sentence for rights abuses and corruption.