Fujimori apologizes for falling asleep in court

LIMA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori on Wednesday apologized for falling asleep in a previous court session where he was on trial for crimes against humanity.

"I apologize because I was totally lost that afternoon," Fujimori told Supreme Court Judge Cesar San Martin at his trial on human rights crimes.

Fujimori also apologized to the court for not wearing socks since he suffered numbing in his legs.

"I ask for forgiveness," he said. "I must confess that I have a problem in my legs. Please don't be offended that ... I am not wearing socks."

The judge accepted Fujimori's apology, two days after he shouted to rouse the 60-year-old former president from a deep sleep.

He also decided that the hearing must continue as doctors said Fujimori's medical problems are not serious.

Fujimori was extradited last September from Chile to Peru to face trial for alleged atrocities committed under his rule, including two massacres in 1991 and 1992.

The trial began last December, with sessions Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week at the headquarters of the National Police's Special Operations Directorate. Prosecutors are seeking a 30-year jail sentence against him.