Suriname Police Search Homes of Former President Desi Bouterse and Iwan Dijksteel

Police Raid Homes of Bouterse and Dijksteel

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC -Police have remained mum on media reports that they searched the home of former president Desi Bouterse, who earlier this year had been sentenced to 20 years in jail on murder charges.

Media reports said that the police raided the homes of Bouterse and Iwan Dijksteel, who is also on the run after they were both charged with the December 8, 1982, murders of 15 men, including journalists, military officers, union leaders, lawyers, business people, and university lecturers. Dijksteel, who had been Bouterse’s bodyguard, was jailed for 15 years.

The Prosecution’s Case

The prosecution had alleged that the men were arrested on December 7 and 8 nights and transferred to Fort Zeelandia, the then headquarters of the Surinamese National Army. They said the men were tortured and summarily executed.

Bouterse’s Conviction and Appeal

Bouterse, who was not present when the Court of Justice issued the ruling in December last year, had appealed against his conviction, which had been handed down in August 2021. The Court Martial of Suriname upheld the 2019 military court ruling of a 20-year jail term following a trial that had been going on for several years.

Background on the Case

In 2017, Bouterse and 23 co-defendants appeared in the military court after the Court of Justice had earlier rejected a motion to stop the trial.

Operation Christmas Bread

The media reports said that the raids were part of Operation Christmas Bread. Given that neither of the men was at their homes, it was unclear whether the raids were based on specific intelligence information.

Suriname Police Force Statement

The Suriname Police Force has not issued any statement regarding the raids.

INTERPOL Red Notice

Bouterse has 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.

Lawyer’s Call for Reward

The lawyer representing the relatives of the 15 people killed on December 8, 1982, has since called on the government to offer a reward leading to the arrest of Bouterse.

Bouterse’s Background

Bouterse, 79, a former military officer, served as president from 2010- 2020. But from 1980 to 1987, he was Suriname’s de facto leader after conducting an army coup and establishing a period of military rule.

Conclusion

The search of Bouterse’s home and the raids on the homes of his co-defendants have raised questions about the effectiveness of the Suriname Police Force in bringing those responsible for the 1982 murders to justice.

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of Operation Christmas Bread?
A: The raids were part of Operation Christmas Bread, but it is unclear whether the raids were based on specific intelligence information.

Q: What is the current status of Bouterse’s appeal?
A: Bouterse’s appeal against his conviction has been rejected by the Court Martial of Suriname.

Q: What is the Suriname Police Force’s stance on the raids?
A: The Suriname Police Force has not issued any statement regarding the raids.