Duvalier probed for crimes against humanity

Duvalier probed for crimes against humanity

Haitian authorities will investigate former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier for crimes against humanity allegedly committed under his 16-year rule, the country's top prosecutor said Friday.

Chief Magistrate Harycidas Auguste told CBC News Duvalier will face charges related to torture, imprisonment for political reasons and refusing freedom of expression.
All of the crimes are alleged to have occurred during Duvalier's presidency from 1971 to 1986.

Amnesty International's researcher for Haiti, Gerardo Ducos, met Thursday with top Haitian justice officials, including Auguste and Justice Minister Paul Denis.

In a statement, Amnesty International said Ducos handed more than 100 documents "detailing dozens of cases of detention without trial, systematic torture, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions."

Duvalier, 59, already faces charges of embezzlement, misappropriation of funds and theft amid accusations he siphoned up to $300 million from federal coffers into his personal bank accounts.

On Thursday, he met with Auguste and Judge Carves Jean, the investigating judge in his case.

Haitian Montrealers urged to come forward
Haitian human rights lawyer Mario Joseph said Friday the only way to make the charges against Duvalier stick is for members of the Haitian diaspora to file complaints against him.

"We need people to mobilize, not only the Canadian diaspora but ... progressive Canadian people to mobilize to judge Duvalier," Joseph said.

Joseph has been gathering stories from Haitians who say they were tortured and abused by the Tontons Macoutes, the secret police force established by Duvalier's father and predecessor, François Duvalier, and used by both.

"It's a chance for the victims," Joseph said a day earlier.
"It's … time for Jean-Claude Duvalier to be judged."

Haitian-born Franz Voltaire told CBC News he was arrested and jailed by the Tontons Macoutes before being expelled to Montreal.

"They don't give you a specific reason, just tell me ... I had too many contacts with the opposition," Voltaire said