Lima, October 13 (RHC)-- Peru's Congress has given a lifeline to former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori by voting to approve a bill, which would allow prisoners over the age of 65 to serve their sentences under house arrest and electronic surveillance.

If the legislation, which was approved with 55 votes in favor, 30 against and two abstentions, is passed into law, it would create an opportunity for the 80-year-old ex-dictator to avoid a return to prison.  Fujimori, under the law, would be allowed to apply for house arrest in lieu of serving his jail term, following the recent revocation of his presidential pardon.   Peru’s Supreme Court ordered the former president returned to prison due to irregularities found in the process used for the pardon that was granted to him.