PORT-AU-PRINCE, (Reuters) – A Haitian appellate court yesterday ruled that deposed dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier could be charged with crimes against humanity under international law and that he may also be held responsible for abuses committed by the army and paramilitary under his rule.
The appellate court reversed a ruling by a judge in 2012 who said Duvalier could not be charged with crimes against humanity filed by alleged victims of forced disappearances and torture during his rule because the statute of limitations had run out.
“Right has triumphed,” said human rights lawyer Pierre Esperance. “It’s monumental. Haiti is not isolated and international right applies in the country. So crimes against humanity are part of our law.”
The court postponed, however, a long-awaited decision on whether Duvalier, commonly known as “Baby Doc,” should face trial for human rights abuses and public corruption.
Human rights groups, as well as the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, had advised Haitian authorities that there is no statute of limitations under international law for serious violations of human rights.
