The prosecutor general’s office announced on Friday that Surinamese officials are on the lookout for former president Dési Bouterse, who did not surrender himself to begin serving a prison sentence for his role in the killing of 15 political rivals in 1982.
Bouterse was instructed to surrender himself to prison this week, however his spouse, Ingrid Bouterse-Waldring, informed reporters outside their residence on Friday morning that he will not comply.
On Wednesday, officials directed Bouterse and four others who were found guilty in the case to go to different prisons by Friday. However, only three of them complied. Due to their poor health, they moved slowly towards the entrance of the prison while reporters trailed behind.
On Friday evening, the 78-year-old Bouterse had still not shown up, causing the prosecutor’s office to release a brief statement announcing an investigation into those who failed to report to prison.
Previously, a large group of supporters for Bouterse and the National Democratic party, of which he is the leader, gathered at his residence to express their backing. Some individuals shouted at reporters and blasted loud music, causing government officials to increase security measures.
The government stated that they will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all parties involved, as well as the general public.
Party representative Ricardo Panka stated that they did not agree with the punishment and mentioned that Bouterse will continue to serve as chair. However, he added that the audience had been instructed to remain peaceful.
He stated that we will not assemble an enraged crowd to oppose the authorities.
On 20 December, Bouterse was convicted and sentenced for the murders, marking the conclusion of a 16-year-long legal case. He had previously appealed the sentences given in 2019 and 2021.
On Monday, a group of recently hired attorneys filed an appeal arguing that the sentencing should be reconsidered due to a previous failed attempt by Bouterse to pass an amnesty law over ten years ago. However, on Tuesday, Suriname’s attorney general denied the appeal.
The prosecutor’s office issued a statement stating that they have initiated the search for individuals who were convicted in the December 8 criminal case but have not complied with the order to report to the penal institution for execution of their sentences.
For many years, Bouterse was the dominant figure in politics in the former Dutch colony. However, he stepped down from his position in 2020.
Bouterse rose to power through a non-violent coup and ruled as a dictator from 1980 to 1987. Throughout his reign, he and 24 others were charged with carrying out the murders of prominent individuals, such as lawyers, journalists, and a university professor, at a colonial fortress in the capital city of Paramaribo.
Bouterse has taken “political responsibility” for the killings in 1982, but maintains that he was not physically present.
He was democratically elected as president from 2010 to 2020.
Source: theguardian.com
