Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Swiss will return “Baby Doc’s” funds

Switzerland will return over $6 million that was seized from bank accounts belonging to former Haitian ruler Jean-Claude Duvalier. Most of the assets will be destined for humanitarian projects in the Caribbean nation though the rest will go to his family. The money will be released by June 3rd unless Haiti’s government divulges evidence tying the money to corruption or criminal activity.

“Baby Doc” Duvalier (image, circa 1970s) served as Haitian dictator between 1971 and 1986, and after seven years of rule by his father, François. The Duvalier duo ruled Haiti via harsh repression of any opposition, and squandered public funds on a luxurious lifestyle while the country lay mired as one of the world’s poorest countries.

“Baby Doc” is allegedly exiled in France.

Image- BBC News

Sources- Voice of America, Reuters AlertNet, International Herald Tribune, Wikipedia, Washington Post, latinamerianstudies.org

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