Politics
Haiti: Human Rights groups applaud appelate court’s decision to open new investigations into Duvalier
Former Haitian leader, Jean-Claude Duvalier. PHOTO/File
Human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has welcomed a decision by the appeal court in Haiti to open new investigations into former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier for crimes against humanity.
Amnesty International said the decision is a “major boost for the victims in their long quest for truth and justice.”
“This much-needed green light to continue the investigations is a victory for the victims of torture, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations committed under the rule of Duvalier and their relatives,” said Javier Zúñiga, Special Advisor for Amnesty International.
“It also bolsters hopes for a new Haiti, founded upon the rule of law and equality of justice for all,” he added.
Late last week, the Court of Appeal reversed a January 2012 ruling by an investigative judge.
The earlier decision stated that Duvalier could not be charged with crimes against humanity filed by victims of alleged forced disappearances and torture during his rule from 1971-1986 because the time for the prosecution of those offences had elapsed.
But the Court of Appeal ruled there is “substantial evidence”, pointing to the indirect involvement and alleged criminal responsibility of Duvalier for the alleged human rights violations during his presidency.
