International

Suriname: Former Coup Leader Desi Bouterse Sentenced

SURINAME – In a landmark ruling, the Court of Justice in Suriname imposed a 20-year jail term on former President Desi Bouterse for his role in the 1982 murders of 15 men. The 78 year old was convicted in 2021 and had appealed the decision.

Published

11 months ago

December 21, 2023

Kendeno Knowles

SURINAME – In a landmark ruling, the Court of Justice in Suriname imposed a 20-year jail term on former President Desi Bouterse for his role in the 1982 murders of 15 men. The 78-year-old was convicted in 2021 and had appealed the decision.

The victims, including journalists, military officers, and union leaders, were allegedly tortured and executed at Fort Zeelandia.

Despite his absence during the ruling, the judge emphasized the premeditation of the crimes. No immediate arrest order has been issued.

The court cited 20 years as the maximum sentence at the time.