In Paramaribo, a condolence book has been opened for former Surinamese President Desi Bouterse at the office of the National Democratic Party, which Bouterse founded. The 79-year-old former military leader’s death was announced yesterday.
His body was reportedly brought to his home in the Leonsberg neighborhood of Paramaribo by unknown individuals, following what local media described as a “brief illness at a hiding place.” Visitors to the NDP office, including party supporters and members of other political parties, are signing the register and posing with an official portrait of Bouterse from his presidency. The condolence book will remain available for signatures in the coming days.
After his passing, supporters and party members gathered at his residence. The date of his funeral remains undecided as the police have seized the body for investigation.
Once released, funeral arrangements will be announced. Bouterse was sentenced in December last year to a 20-year prison term for his role in the December murders, where 15 opponents, including journalists and scientists, were executed in Fort Zeelandia in 1982.
Earlier this year, Bouterse failed to report to prison to serve his sentence and had been in hiding since.
Source: NOS