Association
High Court affirms conviction of ex-president Bouterse for gross human rights violations
On 20th December 2023, the High Court of Suriname upheld the conviction of former President Desi Bouterse and four others for their roles in the torture and extrajudicial execution of 15 political opponents in December 1982, known as the ‘December Murders.’ This atrocity occurred during Bouterse’s de facto regime from 1980 to 1987, who had come to power via a military coup. The victims included prominent figures such as journalists, university lecturers and union leaders.
In November 2019, Bouterse, then the democratically elected president, was convicted by a special military court and sentenced to 20 years in prison for gross human rights violations, including torture and extrajudicial executions. His presidency initially obstructed the trial through legal manoeuvres and attempts to influence the judicial process. Experts consider this the longest criminal trial in the country’s history, spanning 16 years.
Although the High Court has not issued an arrest warrant, it ordered the accused to report to the prison in Paramaribo by 22nd December 2023. Only three have complied and Bouterse has not yet appeared, leading the prosecutor’s office to investigate those who failed to report.
Despite the High Court's final decision, Bouterse may not immediately serve his prison sentence due to his lawyer's request for a suspension while seeking a presidential pardon. However, President Santokhi has affirmed that the verdict must be enforced.
UN experts have welcomed this landmark ruling, stating, “Suriname had set an example of accountability for serious human rights violations, irrespective of a defendant's status and the time elapsed since the crimes, which, due to their gravity, are not subject to any statute of limitations.”
Expression
Government imposes limits on independent media coverage of Suriname’s Independence Day Celebrations
On 25th November, Suriname’s Independence Day, not all media personnel were granted unrestricted access to Independence Square to cover the commemorations. According to media reports, the government differentiated between state-owned media and the independent press, imposing restrictions on the latter’s movements. Journalist Jerrel Harderwijk from D-TV Express, an online media outlet that provides daily live broadcasts on Facebook and YouTube, filed a complaint with the Association of Surinamese Journalists over the limitations imposed on press freedom.
Peaceful Assembly
Peaceful protests against new VAT on fuel and utilities
On 8th November 2023, the Federation of Organisations of Teachers in Suriname (FOLS) called for a two-day strike to protest the government’s imposition of a 10 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on fuel and utilities. FOLS, which represents multiple teacher unions, declared that the VAT disproportionately affects all aspects of family life. The strike began with street demonstrations at Independence Square.
According to media reports, the VAT amendment is a condition set by the International Monetary Fund for providing assistance to Suriname. Finance Minister Stanley Raghoebarsing admitted to errors in the VAT implementation, including an incorrect tax base and an anticipated increase in inflation.
On 14th November, multiple Surinamese unions marched to President Santokhi’s cabinet office to demand a tax reduction. The demonstration involved workers from Customs, the Ministry of Public Works, the Aviation Employees Organisation, the Association of Personnel from the Planning Office, the Association of Nurses, the Association of Education Inspectors, the Association of Tax Authorities Personnel and the General Association of Government Employees.
Similarly, on 20th November, a group of teachers from the Syndicate for Teachers, along with university staff and Ministry of Public Works employees affiliated with the Confederation of Organisations of Civil Servants (COL), gathered at COL headquarters in Paramaribo. They decided to work only from 7 AM to 11 AM, instead of their usual hours until 3 PM, until the government reconsidered the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel and utilities.
Farmers protest for fair crop prices after unpaid dues
On 27th October, farmers briefly occupied the district commissioner's office in Nieuw Nickerie, prompting a response from law enforcement agents. The authorities eventually removed the protesters from the office. Farmers initially planned to drive their tractors to the commissariat but instead gathered at Brasa Square to discuss further actions. Their protest stemmed from unpaid dues for the paddy rice supplied and work performed over two months.
The Rice Platform, established a year ago to address issues in the rice sector through dialogue, has faced heavy criticism for failing to secure an acceptable purchase price for paddy rice. In September 2023, Minister of LVV Parmanand Sewdien agreed twice with the Rice Exporters Association on purchase prices of SRD 800 and SRD 750 per bale, but the payments have not been made.