SLOW WHEELS OF JUSTICE: Haiti: Jean-Claude Duvalier’s presence in Court brings hope to victims | Amnesty International

Former Haitian president Jean-Claude Duvalier arrives February
28 2013 in court in Port-au-Prince /© AFP/Getty Images

The presence of former Haitian “president for life” Jean-Claude Duvalier in court yesterday (Feb 28th) on charges relating to human rights abuses brings a glimmer of hope for the families of those subjected to extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances and the survivors of torture during Duvalier’s years in power, said Amnesty International.

The hearing was suspended after five hours and will be continued on Thursday 7 March.

The Court of Appeal did not make a decision on whether to try Duvalier for serious human rights violations.

“The fact that Duvalier was actually present this time gives some hope of the capacity of the Haitian justice system to deal with sensitive cases,” said Javier Zúñiga, special adviser for Amnesty International. “However, the road to justice is a long one.”..............

FULL ARTICLE: Haiti: Jean-Claude Duvalier’s presence in Court brings hope to victims | Amnesty International