Presidential
Haiti: President Martelly Reiterates Willingness to Pardon Duvalier
- Thursday, January 26, 2012 10:45 AM
DAVOS, Switzerland (defend.ht) – President Michel Martelly reiterated on Thursday the possibility that he may pardon former President Jean-Claude Duvalier.
President Martelly told The Associated Press, that he would respect the independence of Judge Carves Jean who will decide in the coming days whether Duvalier may be prosecuted for corruption and crimes against humanity during his time as president (1971-1986). But Martelly believes a trial could be “explosive” for Haiti.
According to the AP, Martelly was quoted saying, “my way of thinking is to create a situation where we rally everyone together and create peace and pardon people, to not forget about the past — because we need to learn from it — but to mainly think about the future… you cannot forget those who suffered in that time, but I do believe that we need that reconciliation in Haiti.”
As a candidate, Martelly said he was for granting amnesty to Duvalier and former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Related 01.23.2012: Haiti: Gov't Pressure on Justice Officials to Protect Duvalier, says Human Rights Grps
Related 01.18.2012: Haiti: With this Government, Duvalier Can Rest Easy says Human Rights Grp
Related 12.14.2011: Haiti: Duvalier Trial Would Reform Justice System, says Advocacy Collective
Related 11.26.2011: 16 Canadian Organizations ask Martelly to Try Jean-Claude Duvalier
Related 04.18.2011: Martelly for Presidential Pardon of Duvalier and Aristide
