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Suriname’s Former President Desi Bouterse Passes Away at 79

PARAMARIBO (Reuters) – Desi Bouterse, former President of Suriname, has passed away at the age of 79, as confirmed by the government on Wednesday. This announcement comes nearly a year after he evaded law enforcement to escape imprisonment following his conviction for the 1982 murders of 15 political activists.

According to Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin, the government learned of Bouterse’s death through his family and independent sources. “The government has been informed through the family and its own investigations of the passing of Mr. D. Bouterse, ex-President of the Republic of Suriname,” he stated.

Bouterse died on Tuesday, although officials have yet to reveal the location or circumstances of his death. Just last week, Surinamese authorities conducted a search of his residence, where supporters were seen gathering to pay tribute on Wednesday morning, but he was not located at that time.

For decades, Bouterse was a prominent figure in Surinamese politics, having orchestrated a coup in 1980 and remaining in power until he stepped down in 2020.

In 2019, he and six associates were found guilty in connection with the 1982 killings of 15 critics of his government, which included a diverse group of individuals such as lawyers, journalists, labor leaders, military personnel, and academics. For these crimes, Bouterse received a 20-year prison sentence.

Bouterse justified his actions by alleging that the victims were implicated in a plot to invade the country, a claim that has been contested by many.

The legal saga surrounding Bouterse continued for years, culminating in a court order for him to report to prison in January. However, he failed to appear on the designated date.

Members of his political party have indicated that Bouterse’s family will issue a statement later on Wednesday regarding the details of his passing.

Source
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