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Haiti’s ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier faces charges of human rights violations
By Reuters
28 February 2013
Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier appeared in court on Thursday for the first time to face charges he was responsible for corruption and serious human rights violations during his 15-year rule.
Duvalier boycotted three previous court hearings, and a judge responded to his last failure to appear a week ago by issuing a warrant ordering prosecutors to ensure his presence, under police escort if necessary. Hundreds of Duvalier supporters gathered outside the courthouse.
It is the first time Duvalier has personally been obliged to address crimes allegedly committed during his 15-year rule. (read more)
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Haiti’s ‘Baby Doc’ spurns court again
By Trenton Daniel, The Associated Press
21 February 2013
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier defied a judge’s order Thursday and refused to attend a hearing to determine whether he will again face charges for human rights abuses committed during the nearly 15 years of his brutal regime.
Duvalier defense attorney Reynold Georges showed up 90 minutes after the hearing was about to start and announced that he had filed an appeal of the judge’s order. The session then began in a courtroom crowded with reporters and observers.
Georges, a brash former senator, said he was confident that the Supreme Court would not only overturn the order to compel Duvalier’s presence in court but also block the effort by victims of the Duvalier regime from getting the court to reinstate the charges.
“We’re waiting for the Supreme Court decision and we’re going to win,” Georges said. “I don’t lose. I’m Haiti’s Johnnie Cochran.”
Duvalier ruled Haiti from 1971-1986, a time when thousands were imprisoned, tortured and killed for opposing the government. He was ousted in a popular revolt and forced into exile in France.
He made a surprise return to Haiti in January 2011 and was promptly charged with embezzlement and human rights abuses. A court threw out all but the embezzlement charge, which carries a maximum of five years in prison.
Duvalier, who lives in a villa in the hills above the Haitian capital, skipped two previous court hearings without penalty.
© The Guardian 2013
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Will Haiti’s ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier escape justice?
By Alex Pearlman, The Global Post
13 February 2013
As if Haiti didn’t have enough problems. The beleaguered country’s former dictator, Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier may not even face trial for what some rights organizations call crimes against humanity. One of the most notorious dictators of the late 20th century, Duvalier succeeded his father Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier, and ruled Haiti from 1971 to 1986. He returned to Haiti in 2010 from exile in France quickly following the devastating earthquake.
Duvalier missed a court hearing last week in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where he was about to be brought up on charges of embezzling millions in public funds and financial corruption, “the latest step in a twirling, evasive dance that Mr. Duvalier is having with the justice system, or what passes for it in Haiti,” said the New York Times. (read more)
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Popular Democracy Under Attack in Haiti
BEN TERRALL
Counterpunch
15 November 2012
Haitian President Michel Martelly has managed to inspire popular opposition to his regime almost since his election in May 2011. Martelly, who came to office in a grossly unrepresentative process which excluded Lavalas, the country’s most popular party, has been closely linked with figures around former dictator Jean Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier. That in itself is enough to garner distrust among the majority of Haitians. Martely warmly welcomed the January 2011 Haitian return of Baby Doc, one of the most brutal dictators of the 20th century, after the despot’s decades of luxurious exile in France.
The demobilization of the widely feared Haitian military was probably the most popular act of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was twice ousted in U.S.-backed coups which Martelly supported. Martelly’s announcement in September 2011 that he intended to bring back the Haitian military was the first of many unpopular moves. Martelly also sang the praises of well-armed paramilitaries who emerged in militia camps in early 2012. (read more)
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Haïti: trois personnes lynchées et brulées près de Port-au-Prince
Par AFP
7 juillet 2012
Trois jeunes suspects de vol ont été tués samedi en Haïti par des groupes de gens en colère et leurs corps ont été brûlés à l’aide de pneus enflammés, a appris l’AFP de sources policières.
Deux corps dont les membres étaient attachés à l’aide de cordes ont été retrouvés à la périphérie nord de Port-au-Prince, dans la localité de Santo et un troisième sur une route au sud de la capitale, selon des témoins. (read more)
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For earlier articles, please see the “Archived Updates” section on Haiti’s page.
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