Duvalier will stay in Haiti says lawyer
Jean-Claude Duvalier, the former dictator of Haiti, has indicated through his lawyers that he has no intention of leaving Haiti a second time, after charges were filed against him on financial and human rights abuse grounds.
Duvalier ruled Haiti with an iron fist for 15 years between 1971 and 1986 and is accused of embezzling millions of dollars of state money and ordering the execution of various opponents.
He once famously referred to himself as ‘president for life’, a title coined by his father.
However, the former dictator, who was arrested after making a surprise return to the country, has indicated he will stand and face the charges and may even get back into politics.
Asked whether Duvalier would remain in Haiti, his attorney, Reynold Georges, replied, “You can bet your life on it”.
On Wednesday, Duvalier made a brief appearance on the balcony of the Karibe Hotel, waving to crowds of supporters.
“I’ll see you later,” he promised them, while his aides indicated that he would be making a longer address on Thursday.
“We have nothing to hide,” Duvalier’s lawyer told the media, “and we are not afraid of nobody, nothing.”
Duvalier’s image has undergone a makeover in Haiti during the last few decades; many people have come to regard him as a strong leader that kept Haiti stable, despite the torture and execution of thousands of people during his rule.
With Haiti wallowing in the wake of a devastating earthquake and an inconclusive national election, political analysts have warned that Haiti may be vulnerable to Duvalier’s influence.
Duvalier ruled Haiti with an iron fist for 15 years between 1971 and 1986 and is accused of embezzling millions of dollars of state money and ordering the execution of various opponents.
He once famously referred to himself as ‘president for life’, a title coined by his father.
However, the former dictator, who was arrested after making a surprise return to the country, has indicated he will stand and face the charges and may even get back into politics.
Asked whether Duvalier would remain in Haiti, his attorney, Reynold Georges, replied, “You can bet your life on it”.
On Wednesday, Duvalier made a brief appearance on the balcony of the Karibe Hotel, waving to crowds of supporters.
“I’ll see you later,” he promised them, while his aides indicated that he would be making a longer address on Thursday.
“We have nothing to hide,” Duvalier’s lawyer told the media, “and we are not afraid of nobody, nothing.”
Duvalier’s image has undergone a makeover in Haiti during the last few decades; many people have come to regard him as a strong leader that kept Haiti stable, despite the torture and execution of thousands of people during his rule.
With Haiti wallowing in the wake of a devastating earthquake and an inconclusive national election, political analysts have warned that Haiti may be vulnerable to Duvalier’s influence.
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