The death of former Haitian ruler Jean-Claude Duvalier must not halt the investigations and prosecutions owed to thousands of people killed, tortured, arbitrarily arrested and disappeared under his regime, said Amnesty International today.
In response to news of the death, Haiti's current President Michel Martelly has spoken of reconciliation and called Jean-Claude Duvalier a "true son of Haiti". In the past, President Martelly has hinted in several public statements at pardoning the former leader. Despite being investigated for embezzlement charges, Jean-Claude Duvalier was issued with a diplomatic passport in 2013, and participated in several official ceremonies and events.
"Whereas President Martelly could have expressed compassion for the thousands of victims of Duvalierism and participated in forging memories about the crimes committed at that time, he willingly decided to express 'sadness' and 'sympathy' only for Duvalier's family. This is a slap on the face for human rights and the victims' struggle to justice," said Erika Guevara.
During Jean-Claude Duvalier's presidency– between 1971 and 1986 -- prisons and torture centres claimed the lives of hundreds of victims. Arbitrary arrests, torture, deaths in custody, enforced disappearances and political killings were regularly reported.
"For 15 years, Jean-Claude Duvalier ruled Haiti with total disregard for the rights of the Haitian people. The grave human rights abuses perpetrated during those years still remain shrouded in absolute impunity. Now, more than ever, Haitian authorities must show political will to investigate those suspected of criminal responsibility for human rights violations," said Erika Guevara.
In 1971 Jean-Claude Duvalier inherited control of Haiti from his father François Duvalier after supposedly being endorsed by the Haitian people in a vote of 2,391,916 to zero.