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Former Suriname President Desi Bouterse Dies at 79; Convicted in 2023 for Executing 15 Opponents

Dec 25, 2024, 12:49 PM

Desi Bouterse, the former president of Suriname, has died at the age of 79. His death was confirmed by the Surinamese government and reported by various local media outlets. Bouterse, who played a pivotal role in Surinamese politics for over four decades, was known for leading a military coup in 1980 and later returning to power through elections. He was convicted in 2023 for his involvement in the December murders, where 15 political opponents were executed in 1982. Despite his conviction, Bouterse had been a fugitive and had not served his sentence at the time of his death. His legacy remains controversial, with some viewing him as a national hero while others remember him as a dictator and criminal. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, and his body has been seized for examination.