Haitian Woman to Seek Charges Against Duvalier

Michele Montas says she will bring a criminal complaint against the former dictator who made a surprise return from exile this week.

Under Jean-Claude Duvalier’s 15-year reign, his secret police force killed and tortured thousands of Haitians, and many more were forced to flee the country. Now that he’s returned, at least one Haitian woman is trying to ensure that he is brought to justice for his crimes. Duvalier made a shock return from exile in France on Sunday, casting more doubt on an already tumultuous political situation in the country, and Michele Montas, a reporter and former UN employee, said Monday that she plans to file charges against Duvalier. Montas said there are more than enough Haitians who can testify to his crimes. Prosecuting him could be difficult however as he still has supporters in the country.