While Amnesty International is applauding the recent arrest of former president Jean-Claude Duvalier, Haitian authorities are being urged to investigate alleged human rights violations committed by the former tyrant, also known as ‘Baby Doc’.
Duvalier, who has been accused of presiding over numerous human rights violations during his rule from 1971 to 1986, was yesterday slapped with several charges including corruption, theft and misappropriation of funds that were allegedly committed during his 15 year rule.
Amnesty wants authorities to go further.
“This landmark arrest is a welcome first step towards bringing to justice a leader whose security apparatus carried out widespread and systematic human rights violations including torture, arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances,” said Javier Zuñiga, Special Advisor at Amnesty International.
Duvalier, who returned to Haiti on Sunday after 25 years in exile in France, was taken into custody earlier in the week by Haitian authorities.
