Fujimori innocent, ex-official says

LIMA, Peru (CNN) - The trial of former President Alberto Fujimori opened here Monday with his former intelligence chief, Vladimiro Montesinos, declaring his boss innocent of the charges he faces.

"I came here to clarify that Mr. Fujimori has no responsibility with the actions cited in this process," Montesinos told court magistrates.

The trial, held in Ate Vitarte on the outskirts of Lima, marks the first time the two men have been in the same room since they both fled the country eight years ago.

Fujimori, 69, faces charges that range from bribery and corruption to murder and human rights abuses that carry a potential penalty of 30 years in prison. He has denied the charges.