Ramon Abrahams on Death of Former President Desi Bouterse

Party Has Not Requested State Funeral

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC—The vice-chairman of the main opposition National Democratic Party (NDP), Ramon Abrahams, says that while the party has not requested a state funeral for former president Desi Bouterse, “if it comes, it comes.”

Bouterse, 79, and his bodyguard, Iwan Dijksteel, had been on the run since December last year following their convictions in the December 8, 1982, murders of 15 men, including journalists, military officers, union leaders, lawyers, businessmen, and university lecturers. Bouterse was given a 20-year jail term, while Dijksteel was sentenced to 15 years.

Abrahams’ Comments

Abrahams said the fact that Bouterse, who died on Tuesday, could not be found was because “Bouterse was a top soldier and the organization is excellent.

“I can be very brief about that. That is to say that the organization is excellent. Right? It is an excellent organization. That has now been proven again.”

Abrahams confirmed that Bouterse’s body was “delivered” to his home on Leonsberg by third parties, insisting that a state funeral was not requested.

Condolence Book Opened

A condolence book has since been opened, and Abrahams told reporters, “We cannot plan much at the moment because the Public Prosecution Service still confiscates the body.

“An autopsy is being performed on the body. He added that as long as the body has not been released, we cannot organize anything.

He said that signing the condolence book is a planned activity and will be taken to various districts in the country.

Abrahams believes that the funeral could be held on January 3 or 4, adding, “In any case, we are not asking for it. If it comes, it comes. Then it is there. But we are waiting patiently.”

Abrahams said the party supporters and relatives are calmly awaiting the autopsy report.

Background

Bouterse had been placed on an International Police (INTERPOL) Red Notice list, an official request to law enforcement authorities worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. It is based on an arrest or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country.

Earlier this week, the police raided Bouterse’s home as part of operation ‘Christmas bread’ but came up empty-handed. The Suriname Police Force has not stated the raids.

Reactions

Meanwhile, Gregory Rusland, chairman of the National Party Suriname (NPS), said Bouterse “has had a great influence on the politics of our country for 45 years.

“We recognize that parts of society experienced and regarded him as their leader, while others had serious problems with his functioning. Many suffered from the human rights violations during the eighties.”

Rusland said he is aware that Bouterse’s death has affected a large segment of the society but, “nevertheless, we call on everyone to remain calm.

“Finally, we offer our condolences to Mr. Desi Bouterse’s family and friends and wish them strength in this difficult time.”

Conclusions

The death of former president Desi Bouterse has sparked mixed reactions, with some calling for a state funeral, while others have expressed mixed feelings about his legacy.

FAQs

Q: What is the current status of Bouterse’s body?
A: The body is currently being held by the Public Prosecution Service pending an autopsy and potential release.

Q: Has the party requested a state funeral?
A: No, the party has not requested a state funeral.

Q: What is the current state of the investigation into Bouterse’s death?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with the police still raiding Bouterse’s home and surrounding areas.