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    Haiti leader says he won't meddle in Duvalier case

    Associated Press – Fri, Feb 3, 2012

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haitian President Michel Martelly says he won't interfere in the case of former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier, the National Palace said Friday.

    The office of the president issued a statement saying he respects the rule of law and has no right to meddle in the affairs of an independent judiciary that's overseeing the case of the former ruler known by his nickname "Baby Doc."

    As evidence of the government's "commitment" to following the law, the statement cites Martelly's request for international legal experts to help strengthen Haiti's judicial system.

    The announcement comes five days after a magistrate recommended that Duvalier face trial for alleged financial crimes, but not for the human rights abuses associated with his brutal regime.

    Coming after a yearlong investigation, the ruling prompted human rights groups to accuse the judge of disregarding testimony and laws that would have enabled prosecution on the more serious crimes. Some activists also complain that many of the new government's officials have personal or family ties to the Duvalier regime that ruled from 1971 until it was overthrown in 1986.

    Duvalier was only 19 when he assumed the presidency from his more ruthless father, Francois "Papa Doc." The younger Duvalier suddenly moved back to Haiti last year after 25 years in exile in France. Upon his return, the former "president for life" was charged with embezzlement, human rights abuses and other crimes.

    His defense attorneys contend that the statute of limitations against the alleged crimes has expired, a matter disputed by international rights advocates.

    The Duvalier case is now expected to go before the attorney general, who must review the judge's order and decide whether the case should go to a court that handles lesser crimes.

     

    7 comments

    • HannaH
      HannaH  •  3 mths ago
      When beloved Papa Doc, passed away and baby Doc took power. He was only 19. Should he be not in juvenile court. Since he was a minor,
    • Marillion
      Marillion  •  3 mths ago
      No surprise since those prosecuting the tyrant are already showing signs of patting him on the wrists.

      The world is watching to see if Haitians in the 21st century can rise to the occasion and do something right for themselves and by themselves...
      • Santo
        Santo 3 mths ago
        dont hold your breath. This animal was following US instructions during his dictatorship
    • putika
      putika  •  3 mths ago
      He should be hang and left there for all to see what happens when you betray your land and your people!
      • Ernst
        Ernst 3 mths ago
        really?
      • Mimi
        Mimi 3 mths ago
        My mom said Haiti was in a better state when he was president. I guess it took some sacrifices to keep the country at bay. Judging by how the country has been since he left, that judge needs to be hanged.
      • MARIE
        MARIE 3 mths ago
        Why should he be hung? During the Duvalier regime there was law and order. Haiti went from a bad situation to the mess that we knew before the earthquaque after Duvalier.
    • NELLY
      NELLY  •  Miami, Florida  •  3 mths ago
      I am rolling on the floor.
    • NELLY
      NELLY  •  Miami, Florida  •  3 mths ago
      baby doc for life,long live baby doc.
    • Santo
      Santo  •  3 mths ago
      He will not be convicted. Not if the US can help it. Many of his hench men are still in position of power there.
    • Ryan
      Ryan  •  Los Angeles, California  •  3 mths ago
      One bullet to the head and this all done! Worked well for the Libyans with their former tyrant, would work here as well!
     Post a comment
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