By R. Renee Yaworsky
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America
PARAMARIBO, Suriname—An ex-dictator and convicted drug trafficker who has been accused of numerous human rights violations has been elected president in Suriname. On August 3rd, the new president-elect, Desi Bouterse, will take office.
64-year old Bouterse was elected by lawmakers in Suriname, a small country with less than half a million citizens. Bouterse ruled Suriname as a military strongman after staging a coup d’etat in 1980. He gained notoriety during December of 1982, when 15 of Suriname’s intellectuals were executed at Fort Zeelandia. Among those killed were lawyers, journalists and trade unionists, all of whom were Bouterse’s opponents and deemed political threats. Bouterse has since taken political responsibility for their deaths, but has pinned legal liability on a now-deceased battalion commander, Paul Bhagwandas.
Bouterse is a defendant in the murder trial, but the trial, which began in 2007, has been stalled repeatedly because witnesses have not appeared to testify. Although Bouterse has said he will not interfere with the proceedings, he can now grant himself a presidential pardon if found guilty during his five-year office tenure.
Bouterse is also noted for what is known as the Moiwana Maroon massacre. In 1986, the army under his command murdered villagers in the Surinamese jungle who were suspected of supporting insurgents.
Two organizations in Suriname—the Organization for Justice and Peace and the Foundation December 8, 1982—petitioned the National Assembly, asking that Bouterse’s election be found illegal. Families of the 1982 murder victims have issued an open letter requesting the same, pointing out that Suriname’s constitution states that “a Presidential candidate shall not have conducted any actions which are in violation of the constitution.” The families believe that at least three of Bouterse’s violations are unconstitutional: the 1980 coup, the December 1982 atrocity, and the 1986 Moiwana Maroon massacre.
Bouterse’s reputation is known throughout the world. In 1997, the Netherlands issued an international arrest warrant for him for smuggling two tons of cocaine into the country between 1989 and 1997. Bouterse was tried in absentia in 1999 and has yet to serve his 11-year sentence.
Bouterse has attempted to pass himself off as a defender of the poor and has promised more jobs, affordable housing, and a computer for every child. On Wednesday, Bouterse and outgoing President Venetiaan met for the first time in 18 years and discussed plans for a smooth transfer of power.
For more information, please see:
Democrat Newspaper – Condoners or educated mis-leaders? – 1 August 2010
Caribbean Net News – Transfer of power discussed in Suriname – 30 July 2010
Reuters – Investors cool to Suriname presidential choice – 30 July 2010
Stabroek News-The Hemisphere: Suriname’s strongman or statesman?-29 July 2010
