By Erica Laster                                                                                                                   Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – After living in exile in France for over 25 years, Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier returned to Haiti Sunday, receiving an unexpected welcoming committee: heavily armed police.  Duvalier was charged and arrested at the Karibe hotel Tuesday, just two days after his arrival back to his homeland.  Succeeding his father in 1971, the former dictator faces possible charges stemming back to the torture and murder of thousands of Haitians during his 15 year rule. 

In the midst of a questionable election, Haitian citizens are poised for answers, questioning the reason for his return amid such turmoil in the country.   “Everybody is in a wait-and-see mode, nothing is clear, and this is very frustrating, especially for the people living in the tents,” said Michele Pierre Louis, former prime minister to current President Rene Preval.

Hundreds of thousands of Haitians were forced to flee the country in fear of Duvalier’s corrupt administration. Duvalier associate, Henry Robert Sterlin, indicated that the former dictator returned because he missed Haiti and was moved by the January earthquake’s anniversary.  While a press conference was scheduled, it was quickly cancelled due to the hotel’s inability to handle the overwhelming crowd.

Part of a familial rule which lasted thirty years, Duvalier assumed power after the death of his father at the age of 19.   

Human rights organizations have called for justice for the crimes he committed.  Michele Montas, Haitian journalist and former spokesman for the United Nations secretary-general declared, “We have enough proof. There are enough people who can testify. And what I will do is go to a public prosecutor, and there is a public prosecutor that could actually accommodate our complaints.”

Government sources indicate that a judge may take up to 30 days to determine whether the accusations Duvalier faces have any merit in order to move forward with the case.

For More Information Please Visit:

CNN – Charges Filed Against ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier in Haiti – 18 January 2011

CNN – Baby Doc Duvalier Returns to Haiti in Surprise Move – 16 January 2011

Washington Post – Duvalier’s Return Adds to Haiti’s Political Turmoil – 17 January 2011