Fact Sheet: Jean-Claude Duvalier Can Be Prosecuted

Jean-Claude Duvalier, the former dictator of Haiti, returned to his country after 25 years in exile in France on January 16, 2011. He is currently under investigation for offenses including corruption, attempted murder and sequestration, or illegal imprisonment. His defense lawyers have publicly claimed that he qualifies for immunity from prosecution for the offenses allegedly committed during his 15 years in power between 1971 and 1986.

The Open Society Justice Initiative has submitted a detailed legal brief to the Haitian judicial authorities which argues to the contrary that Jean-Claude Duvalier can and should face prosecution. A prepared fact sheet summarizes those arguments.