Former Haitian leader Jean-Claude Duvalier appeared in court for a hearing regarding human rights abuses committed during his time in office. Duvalier was the President of Haiti from 1971 until his overthrow by a popular uprising in 1986.
Haiti’s former ruler Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier has appeared in court for a hearing to determine if he can be charged with crimes against humanity. At the hearing he denied responsibility for abuses carried out during his time as president, between 1971 and 1986. Human rights groups say hundreds of political prisoners were tortured or killed under his rule.
He returned to Haiti in 2011 after spending 25 years in exile in France. Opponents and supporters of Mr Duvalier turned out for the hearing, with some of his alleged victims just metres away from him in the packed courtroom. It was the first time he had faced them, having failed to attend previous hearings.
Supporters dressed in the black and red colours symbolic of Mr Duvalier’s rule chanted “Long live Duvalier” as he entered the courthouse. Mr Duvalier’s lawyers had asked for the session to be held in private, arguing he was unwell. The hearing was requested by his alleged victims, who want to see him stand trial for crimes against humanity.
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