Suriname: Prosecution in Suriname wants ex-president Desi Bouterse jailed for 1982 killings

The Public Prosecution Service in Suriname is insisting that former president Desi Bouterse be jailed for 20 years for his involvement in the murder of 15 people in the country on December 8, 1982.

But Bouterse's attorney, Irvin Kanhai, has asked the Court of Justice to acquit his client.

During the appeal hearing yesterday, acting Attorney General Astrid Niamut reiterated earlier arguments that Bouterse, who was the military ruler of the country at the time of the murders, must be held responsible for the killings and that enough evidence had been provided during the trial.

In August 2021, the Court Martial of Suriname upheld the 2019 military court ruling of the 20-year jail term on Bouterse following a trial that had been going on for several years.