Desi Bouterse, Suriname’s Ex-Dictator, to Be Cremated on Saturday

Desi Bouterse, the former dictator of Suriname, will be cremated on Saturday following his death from liver failure. His party will hold a memorial gathering, but the government has ruled out a state funeral. Bouterse’s legacy includes a tumultuous reign marked by human rights abuses and a recent 20-year prison sentence for political executions, although he passed away before serving his term.

Desi Bouterse, the former dictator of Suriname known for leading multiple coups and facing legal repercussions for political murders, is set to be cremated this Saturday as announced by his political party. Following his death from liver complications at the age of 79, the government has decided against a state funeral. Instead, a memorial gathering will take place at the headquarters of Bouterse’s National Democratic Party, where friends, family, and party affiliates will come together to commemorate his life. Flags at government buildings will be lowered to half-staff on the cremation day, despite the absence of official state honors. Bouterse first assumed power in a coup in 1980, ruled for a significant period, and was later implicated in human rights violations, resulting in a long-standing legal battle that continued until his death.

Desi Bouterse served as the president of Suriname over two non-consecutive terms, initially coming to power through a military coup shortly after the nation achieved independence from Dutch colonial rule. His governance was marked by authoritarian practices and allegations of brutality perpetrated against political opponents. Bouterse’s legacy is contentious; he garnered support for his populist tactics while also facing significant condemnation for his actions during the 1982 events that led to the execution of political dissidents. In 2019, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for these crimes, which he appealed unsuccessfully before his death.

In summary, Desi Bouterse’s cremation will take place on Saturday, marking the end of a controversial chapter in Suriname’s history. While the government denies a state funeral, the gathering at his party’s headquarters illustrates the complexities of his legacy. Despite the honors of lowered flags, Bouterse’s rulings and actions have left a polarized impact on the nation’s memory, emblematic of the struggles Suriname faced during and after his leadership.

Original Source: www.barrons.com