Desi Bouterse, Suriname’s fugitive former president, dies at 79
Al Jazeera
Government extends condolences for death of Bouterse, ex-leader convicted for role in 1982 killing of activists.
Desi Bouterse, the former president of Suriname who fled authorities to avoid jail after his conviction over the murder of activists in the 1980s, has died at age 79, the government says.
“In anticipation of more detailed and definitive information from official channels, we would like to offer our condolences to the wife, children and other surviving relatives for this loss,” President Chan Santokhi said in a statement on Wednesday, referring to Bouterse.
Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk wrote on Facebook that Bouterse’s “life had a lasting impact on our country and his efforts will not be forgotten”.
His cause of death was not immediately clear, and the government did not provide details on where Bouterse died on Tuesday.
A divisive figure, Bouterse was applauded by supporters for his charisma and populist social programmes but viewed by his opponents as a ruthless dictator who was convicted of drug trafficking and extrajudicial killings.
