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Haiti's Duvalier calls for ex-leaders' conference

Agence France-PresseMay 15, 2013 16:28
Ex-Haitian dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier, who is facing charges of corruption and human rights abuses, called Wednesday for a conference of former heads of state to forge a national consensus. "I remain convinced of the urgent need for unity, and only a national consensus can enable us to overcome our countless challenges," Duvalier wrote in a statement on his Facebook page. On Tuesday, President Michel Martelly voiced support for the idea of a meeting of former leaders of the island.

Aristide goes before Haitian judge to give evidence in murder case

May 13, 2013 10:45
By Susana Ferreira PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - Former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide appeared in public for the first time since returning from exile more than two years ago as he arrived at court on Wednesday to testify about the assassination more than a decade ago of a popular radio journalist and human rights activist.

Ex-Haitian leader Aristide in rare public show

Agence France-PresseMay 10, 2013 10:40
Former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide made a rare public appearance Wednesday, causing thousands of his supporters to pour out into the streets of the capital. The former Roman Catholic priest known as a champion of Haiti's poor and reviled by the Caribbean nation's elite was in court to testify before a judge about the 2000 murder of prominent journalist Jean Dominique. Aristide was not in power then, but rather a leader of the opposition. He was questioned Wednesday as part of a broad, long running probe into the killing.

Haiti's minister of finance resigns blaming "lack of solidarity"

April 10, 2013 18:16
By Amelie Baron PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters) - Haiti's Minister of Economy and Finances Marie Carmelle Jean-Marie resigned abruptly on Wednesday, accusing her cabinet colleagues of not cooperating with her attempts to clean up public finances. "I can battle against adversity or against external hazards that regularly hit our country, but not against the lack of solidarity of my own peers," she wrote in her resignation letter, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters.

Witnesses claim torture under Haiti ex-dictator 'Baby Doc'

March 7, 2013 19:16
Witnesses testified Thursday against an absent Jean-Claude Duvalier, in a hearing aimed at determining whether the former Haitian dictator will stand trial for crimes against humanity. "Baby Doc," who ruled Haiti with an iron fist from 1971 to 1986, has been unwell since appearing at a rowdy five-hour hearing on February 28. His lawyer, Aurelian Jeanty, explained that the former "president for life" would not appear in court on Thursday "because he is still hospitalized."

Haiti ex-dictator 'Baby Doc' ill after hearing: source

March 4, 2013 20:16
Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier fell ill after a court hearing last week and may miss the next hearing in a probe into allegations of torture and graft, a supporter said Monday. A source close to "Baby Doc" Duvalier told AFP that last Thursday's court hearing had been a "bruising encounter" for the 61-year-old former strongman, and that he had been admitted to hospital for tests shortly afterwards.

Haiti's Duvalier: life was better with me in power

February 28, 2013 16:30
Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier angrily defended his rule Thursday at a hearing on whether he can be charged with crimes against humanity. Duvalier, who came to power as a teen, ruled with an iron fist until being ousted in a popular revolt in 1986 and fled into exile in France, returning just two years ago, tried to turn the tables on today's Haitian rulers. He said people had in fact lived better under him.

UPDATE 2-Haiti's Duvalier finally in court to face abuse of power charges

February 28, 2013 15:31
* Previously dodged three court-ordered appearances * Case closely watched by human rights observers * Hearing adjourned, set to resume next Thursday. (Adds details and fresh quotes, and new hearing set) By Jean Valme

Haiti's Duvalier appears at court hearing

February 28, 2013 13:46
Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier appeared in court Thursday for a hearing to determine if he can be charged with crimes against humanity. Duvalier, who was observed at the court by an AFP reporter, was summoned by a judge after failing three times previously to show up in court. The 61-year-old wore a dark suit and white shirt as sat in the packed courtroom with his companion Veronique Roy. Many of those on hand were former victims of the Duvalier regime who planned to testify against him.

Duvalier forced to court on charges he abused power in Haiti

February 28, 2013 13:31
* Duvalier faces charges of corruption, human rights abuses * He previously dodged three court ordered appearances * Ruled Haiti from 1971 to 1986 By Jean Valme PORT-AU-PRINCE, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier appeared in court on Thursday for the first time to face charges he was responsible for corruption and serious human rights violations during his 15-year rule.
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