Surinames Former Dictator Desi Bouterse Sentenced to 20 Years for 1982 Murders

Desi Bouterse, the former dictator of Suriname, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murders of 15 opponents during his military regime in 1982, concluding a 16-year legal process.

In a landmark verdict, Suriname's former dictator Desi Bouterse was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday, December 20, for the murders of 15 opponents of the military regime in December 1982. This historic legal process, spanning over 16 years, has finally come to an end.

Bouterse's Conviction Upheld

Bouterse, now 78 years old, had previously been sentenced in the same case in 2019 and 2021, but he appealed both decisions. On Wednesday, the court upheld his conviction, and the latest sentencing is considered final, with no further appeals allowed. The judge took into account Bouterse's age and the fact that the maximum sentence allowed at the time of the killings was 20 years.

Reactions to the Verdict

Hugo Essed, the lawyer representing the victims' relatives, expressed his satisfaction with the verdict, stating that it signifies the presence of an independent constitutional state in Suriname. However, neither Bouterse nor his four co-suspects, who received 15-year sentences, were present in the courtroom during the sentencing.

Bouterse's lawyer, Irvin Kanhai, disagreed with the verdict and expected an acquittal. He plans to provide further details at a later date. Concerns have been raised about potential unrest in parts of Suriname, as Bouterse remains the chair of the National Democratic Party, and some supporters have expressed their unwillingness to accept the conviction.

Presidential Pardon and Legal Uncertainties

Bouterse still has the option of requesting a presidential pardon, but the legislation in Suriname regarding this matter is unclear. If a request for clemency is made, it is unlikely that the Court will advise on granting it.

A Long-Awaited Conclusion

Henk Kamperveen, the son of one of the victims, expressed relief that the legal process against Bouterse has finally reached its conclusion, although he emphasized that it is not a victory for the relatives but a triumph for the rule of law in Suriname.

Background of the Case

Bouterse led a bloodless coup in 1980 and ruled as a dictator until 1987. He was later democratically elected as president from 2010 to 2020. Bouterse and 24 others were accused of rounding up and executing well-known individuals, including lawyers, journalists, and a university professor, in 1982 at a colonial fortress in Paramaribo.

Bouterse has acknowledged "political responsibility" but maintains that he was not present during the killings, which are known as the "December murders." The criminal trial commenced in 2007, 25 years after the events in question. Out of the 25 suspects initially accused, 12 have been acquitted, six have passed away, five have been sentenced, and two remain convicted but are believed to have fled Suriname.

Bouterse's Attempts to Evade Justice

After being elected in 2010, Bouterse unsuccessfully attempted to pass an amnesty law. In 2016, he ordered Suriname's attorney general to halt legal proceedings, citing national security concerns, but a court rejected this request.