Family of Former Surinamese President Threatens Legal Action Over Disclosure of Cause of Death

The family of former Surinamese president, Desi Bouterse, has threatened to take legal action against the government for publicly disclosing the cause of his death last week.

According to the Public Prosecution Service (OM), Bouterse, 79, died from complications of liver failure due to severe liver fibrosis caused by chronic alcohol use. The pathologist report showed the probable date of death was Monday or Tuesday last week.

The family members said they became aware of the cause of death through the media, noting that they also found the detailed disclosure of the former president’s health information deeply distressing. In a letter to Attorney General Garcia Paragsingh, the family lawyers said this disclosure violated medical confidentiality, a punishable offense.

The family also wants to discuss compensation with the Attorney General within a month for the “irreversible damage” caused, adding that failure to comply will result in immediate legal action against the state.

The family’s legal representatives expected these demands to be met, thus avoiding civil court proceedings. The lawyers argue that the Public Prosecution Service ordered an autopsy, as Bouterse died outside a hospital, to determine if foul play was involved and to establish the approximate time of death.

They contend that releasing private medical information violated principles of good governance, fundamental rights, and professional confidentiality applicable to the Attorney General. The lawyers further allege that the Attorney General committed a criminal offense under Article 332 of the Criminal Code by deliberately sharing confidential information through a press release.

Bouterse’s funeral will take place on Saturday, January 4. The government has said it will not be a state funeral and that no foreign heads of state will be invited. It added that the government in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country has not yet received any requests from foreign heads of government likely to attend the funeral.

On Thursday night, various artists paid tribute to Bouterse, who the NDP said loved music and had encouraged artists to develop their talents.

On 25 February 1980, Bouterse, as sergeant and chairman of the newly established military union, led a coup and deposed Prime Minister Henck Arron’s democratically elected government. The military then established the National Military Council (NMR), appointed a new government, and suspended the Constitution and parliament. The policy under Bouterse’s regime led to what would later be known as the December murders.

Bouterse was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Court of Justice in December 2023 on appeal for involvement in the murder of 15 people, including journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists, on December 8, 1982. The court ruled that although no evidence was provided that Bouterse shot one or more of the victims himself, there was evidence that he gave the order to do so and was in control of the massacre from the beginning to the end.

Following his conviction, Bouterse had been on the run ever since, along with his bodyguard, Iwan Dijksteel, who had also been sentenced to 15 years in jail.

Conclusion

The family’s decision to take legal action against the government highlights the importance of respecting the privacy and dignity of individuals, even in the face of death. The government’s decision to publicly disclose the cause of Bouterse’s death has caused irreparable harm to the family and has raised concerns about the handling of sensitive information.

FAQs

Q: What was the cause of Desi Bouterse’s death?
A: According to the Public Prosecution Service, Bouterse died from complications of liver failure due to severe liver fibrosis caused by chronic alcohol use.

Q: Why is the family taking legal action against the government?
A: The family is taking legal action because they believe the government’s decision to publicly disclose the cause of Bouterse’s death violated medical confidentiality and caused irreparable harm to the family.

Q: What is the government’s response to the family’s demands?
A: The government has not publicly responded to the family’s demands, but it is expected to issue a statement soon.

Q: What is the significance of Bouterse’s death?
A: Bouterse’s death is significant because he was a former president of Suriname and his death has raised concerns about the handling of sensitive information.