Haitian prosecutors have slapped a slew of corruption charges on Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier, less than 48 hours after the ex-dictator’s unexpected return to his homeland.
Duvalier stands accused of corruption, theft and misappropriation of funds related to the siphoning off of hundreds of millions of dollars during a 1971-to-1986 rule allegedly marked by widespread human rights abuses.
“Yes, he has been charged, but I don’t understand it,” his lawyer Gervais Charles said on Tuesday.
In a day of high political and legal drama in the rubble-strewn capital Port-au-Prince, Duvalier was first questioned by the nation’s chief prosecutor at the luxury hotel where he has been holed up since returning on Sunday.
After more than an hour, the former strongman who once ruled Haiti with an iron fist emerged under police escort. He was not wearing handcuffs and allowed an occasional smile to a small group of chanting supporters.
“He is free, but has to remain at the disposition of justices,” a lawyer said as Duvalier left the building four hours later, still not in handcuffs and accompanied by his companion, Veronique Roy.
Asked how he was feeling as he got into a car to drive away after four hours of questioning, Duvalier simply answered “fine.”
An investigating judge must now decide if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
Duvalier’s return marked the first time he had set foot on home soil since being ousted 25 years ago in a popular uprising.
It came against a backdrop of great uncertainty in Haiti following disputed presidential elections that have created a political vacuum and spawned riots between rival factions that left five dead.
Haiti’s election commission indicated on Tuesday it could not just revise presidential results on the basis of advice by international monitors, but must follow legal procedures.
The second round of voting was supposed to be held Sunday, but has been postponed indefinitely because of a political crisis now complicated by the unexpected return of Duvalier.
It is not exactly clear how the re-emergence of Duvalier shakes up the political landscape. Duvalier has not explained his motivation or endorsed any candidate in the race to succeed Haitian President Rene Preval.
A French diplomatic source in Port-au-Prince said Duvalier had booked a return ticket to France today.
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