Death of Desi Bouterse, Former Dictator of Suriname and Fugitive from Justice

Desi Bouterse, the former president of Suriname and a fugitive from justice for the murder of 15 opponents in 1982, has died at the age of 79, the government announced on Wednesday.

"We are awaiting more detailed and definitive information from official channels. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children, and other surviving family members for this loss," said current President Chan Santokhi in a statement. Bouterse had been a fugitive from justice for a year since his conviction was upheld.

In December 2023, Bouterse was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murders of 15 opponents of the then-military government in December 1982, concluding a historic 16-year legal process. He subsequently disappeared and never served time in prison despite the sentence.