Jean- Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier ruled Haiti from 1971 to 1986. According to Amnesty International, during his rule he committed alleged crimes against humanity such as forced disappearances, torture and executions that were not legally authorized. He was set to face trial for these crimes; however a judge recently decided to drop these charges for unknown reasons. Furthermore, this judge refused to see much of the evidence including the interviews by the victims.
Such a decision is tragic as the victims of Duvalier’s crimes against humanity deserve to have justice and recognition of their suffering. Amnesty International has even given evidence to the authorities but much of it was not taken into account when the decision was made. This is truly a miscarriage of justice as these victims and essential evidence was completely ignored.
Tell the government of Haiti that this is unacceptable as Duvalier must be held accountable for his crimes.
We the undersigned sincerely ask the government of Haiti to hold Jean-Claude Duvalier accountable for his crimes against humanity. Since his return to Haiti in February 2011, investigators have been collecting evidence against him and many victims have come forward. Much of this evidence was not even seen by the judge who recently decided to drop the charges against Duvalier. By doing this, the justice system is sending a message to Haitians that they do not matter and that they will not get the justice they so clearly deserve. As the government is recently new, it is essential to show Haitians and the world that it will be a just, fair and honourable government. By dismissing the charges against Duvalier, the government is sending the opposite message.
Please show your citizens that you will protect and support them and show the world that you will be an honourable and fair government by holding Duvalier accountable for his crimes.
Thank you.
