Former Suriname Dictator Desi Bouterse Vanishes After Sentencing

Bouterse, sentenced for the 1982 killings of 15 political opponents, fails to report to prison; whereabouts unknown.

Former Suriname dictator Desi Bouterse, sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 1982 killings of 15 political opponents, has vanished after failing to turn himself in to authorities.
Bouterse's wife, Ingrid Bouterse-Waldring, claims she does not know his whereabouts and insists he will not go to jail, alleging the conviction was politically motivated.
Supporters of Bouterse and the National Democratic Party he chairs gathered at his house in a show of support, leading to tightened security measures by the government.
Bouterse's party disagrees with the sentencing and he will remain as chairman, according to spokesman Ricardo Panka.
Bouterse, who led a bloodless coup to become dictator from 1980 to 1987, has accepted 'political responsibility' for the 1982 killings but insists he was not present.