Former Haitian President Duvalier to face corruption charges

[News_Editor]

Former Haitian President Duvalier to face corruption charges

2012-01-31 22:06:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI (BNO NEWS) -- Former Haitian President Jean-Claude Duvalier, also known as 'Baby Doc', will not face charges for the serious human rights violations which took place during his regime, judicial officials said on Tuesday. He will instead face corruption charges.

Haitian Judge Carves Jean said he had not found legal grounds to put Duvalier on trial for crimes against humanity and other abuse. Instead, the former president will face trial for financial corruption during his 15-year rule, which could result in a maximum prison term of five years.

Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the decision is disappointing. "We are extremely disappointed at reports that Mr. Duvalier may not be charged with any human rights crimes, despite numerous complaints by victims to the prosecutor," he said.

Colville said serious human rights violations, including torture, rape, and extra-judicial killings, have been extensively documented by Haitian and international human rights organizations during Duvalier's regime. "Impunity for such serious crimes cannot be allowed to prevail and we urge the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is, belatedly, delivered to the many victims of human rights abuses committed under the government of Mr. Duvalier," he said. "There can be no true reconciliation and forgiveness without justice."

Duvalier assumed power in April 1971 when his father, François Duvalier, died and ruled the impoverished nation until February 1986 when he was overthrown by a popular uprising. Together with his then-wife, Duvalier fled to France but was arrested in January 2011 when he made a surprise return to Haiti.

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