2023-05-31 03:44:03
The Advocate General of Suriname again requested, on Tuesday, 20 years in prison against former President Desi Bouterse, tried on appeal for the assassination of 15 opponents in 1982, underlining “the violence” and “the atrocity” of the crimes committed.
“If they arrest me, I will tell them ‘don’t forget that I smoke Morello (brand of cigarettes), as long as you bring me enough'”, quipped when he left the hearing the former president 77, who appeared free and denies any involvement in the crimes.
“Given the planning, the particular violence and the atrocity (…) of the murder of 15 victims, there are every reason to pronounce this sentence”, launched the acting general counsel, Astrid Niamat , asking for the same sentence already requested in January. “Justice must be done (…) The accused murdered the 15 victims with extreme violence. He put an end to the lives of 15 young men”, she insisted, considering that the “accused” had not “expressed regret” nor wanted to take responsibility for his actions, including political responsibility. “.
Bouterse’s acquittal demanded
At first instance, Desi Bouterse was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murders of lawyers, journalists and businessmen in December 1982, two years after taking power following a coup State. He had, however, remained free, as local law provided for incarceration only after all legal remedies had been exhausted.
After a hearing at the end of July for the defense argument, the justice should render its decision in the second half.
Asked about the possibility of being imprisoned, Bouterse replied: “We have seen so many things in the past few days which were impossible, but which have become possible. So why not?” “They (the prosecution) give their own opinion and do not understand how this case happened and they try to present the case differently from the real situation,” added Desi Bouterse.
At the end of March, his lawyer had demanded his acquittal considering that it would be “wise and an act of patriotism to end” the trial against Desi Bouterse, who has always denied his involvement in these assassinations.
Protected by its statute
In early January, Desi Bouterse admitted to hearing gunshots on the day of the opponents’ assassination, but denied having given the order to execute them, assuring that he planned to expel these people whom he accuses of having wanted to prepare a counter-coup with the help of the CIA.
Author of two coups, Desi Bouterse was elected president of Suriname in 2010 and remained so until 2020. Interpol had issued an arrest warrant after his sentence to 11 years in prison in 1999 in the Netherlands for cocaine trafficking. His leadership status, however, protected him from extradition.
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