In December, Bouterse was sentenced on appeal to twenty years in prison for his role in the December murders. In the 1980s, fifteen political opponents were killed under his leadership.
In addition to the arrest warrant for Bouterse, police have also issued an arrest warrant for Ewan Dijksteel, for his role in the December murders. Dijksteel was Bouterse's bodyguard. In addition to the photos, the police also shared the personal details of both the convicts.
Bouterse was supposed to report to prison last Friday at nine in the morning local time (one in the afternoon Dutch time), but he did not do so. In the lead-up, it was not really clear whether the former president would do so. He was last seen in Suriname on January 9.
The Surinamese news site wrote that police were at the homes of Bouterse and Dixtel last night. celebrity news. Neither of them was found there. The searches have not been confirmed by the police or the Public Prosecution.
Bouterse's lawyer, Ervin Kanhai, says he agreed with prosecutors that Bouterse could begin his twenty-year sentence at RCR Medical Center for health reasons. Before the conversation with the Public Prosecution on Tuesday, he had not had any contact with his client about this matter.
So Bouterse may not have known that he was expected to arrive at a care hotel in Paramaribo on Tuesday at 6pm (local time). “I don't have direct contact with people. I have to do it through someone,” the advisor said. Afghan National Police.
The President of Suriname insists on the separation of powers
Public prosecutors must track down the suspects, says Surinamese President Chan Santokhi, who repeatedly stresses that there is a separation of powers in Suriname.
“The president is the president of the country. He supports the rule of law, he supports the implementation of the sentence. And again: the prosecutor is In the lead Regarding the investigation.”
On Tuesday, the president laid flowers at the statue of Jagirnath Lachmun, founder of the Progressive Reform Party, which Santokhi now heads. This is close to Fort Zealandia, where the murders were committed.
Santokhi did not want to say much to reporters about the investigation into his predecessor Bouterse. He added, “The intelligence services are busy. They are in constant contact with the Attorney General.”
He added that it is assumed that “all intelligence and security services are working to determine his whereabouts.” Santokhi hopes that the ruling will be the beginning of a healing process that requires support from all parties. “In this case, it is particularly important that the convicted persons also adhere to the principles of the rule of law and the sentence imposed.”
Army patrols are clearly visible and unnoticeable
Defense Minister Krishna Mathwera assured that the police will receive assistance from the army to maintain order and security in the country. It is feared that Bouterse's supporters will take measures to prevent his arrest.
The minister said that the army is conducting clear and inconspicuous surveillance and is an “eye and ear” throughout the country. Afghan National Police. “Vigilance is very important, not because of a specific case or this case, but in general. Because you want to prevent criminal and illegal acts.”
Wat zijn de Decembermoorden?
Op 8 december 1982 werden vijftien advocaten, journalisten, militairen, universitaire docenten, een vakbondsleider en een zakenman gemarteld en geëxecuteerd. Desi Bouterse was op dat moment leider van het militaire regime in Suriname.
De moorden gingen de geschiedenisboeken in als de Decembermoorden. Ze vonden plaats in Fort Zeelandia, op dat moment het hoofdkwartier van Bouterse.
