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

BABY "DOC" DUVALIER IN THE DOCKET: Former Haiti leader appears in court - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier was in exile for 25 years until 2011 in France [Reuters]

Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier faced corruption and human rights charges in a court for the first time since a popular revolt forced him into exile in 1986, and denied responsibility for abuses under his 15-year rule.

Individual government officials "had their own authority," the 61-year-old Duvalier said when asked about his role as head of state from 1971 to 1986. "Under my authority, children could go to school, there was no insecurity."

Duvalier, who had boycotted three previous court hearings, struck a mostly defiant tone during a four-hour grilling by a panel of three judges in a packed and sweltering courtroom.

FULL ARTICLE HERE: Former Haiti leader appears in court - Americas - Al Jazeera English