Fugitive former President Desi Bouterse is no longer allowed to enter the United States, nor are six former Surinamese soldiers: Benny Brundenstein, Stefanos Marinos Dindo, Iwan Dijksteel, Ernest Jeffrey, Kenneth Kemps, and Lucien Lewis. This was announced by the US State Department.
The reason given for this was their involvement in the executions of political opponents during the December 1982 murders. A press release stated that these individuals and four of their family members are generally ineligible to enter the United States.
On appeal in December 2023, Bouterse was sentenced to 20 years in prison and the other suspects to 15 years in prison.
The United States commends Suriname for its commitment to the rule of law, including its efforts to preserve the independence of the judiciary and combat impunity for officials.
Secretary Antony Blinken noted that ending impunity is one of the best ways to prevent future abuses. Blinken said that the strength of Suriname's judicial institutions demonstrates the value of the rule of law as an essential pillar in preserving democracy and protecting human rights.
