BOUTERSE AND 24 OTHERS TO RECEIVE SUMMONSES FOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARAMARIBO 000584 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR J.ROSHOLT, INR R.CARHART E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/2017 TAGS: PGOV NS ASEC SUBJECT: BOUTERSE AND 24 OTHERS TO RECEIVE SUMMONSES FOR DECEMBER 8, 1982 MURDERS Classified By: DCM Genton for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) On November 7, local media reported that the Attorney General's Office had begun issuing summonses to 25 defendants who are scheduled to go on trial on Novermber 30 for the murder of 15 political opponents on December 8, 1982. The list, which was published in newspaper of record, "De Ware Tijd," was apparently leaked to media. The publication of the names represents the first public acknowledgement of the full list of defendants, which the government had sought to keep confidential until the last possible moment. The list includes current military officers, civilians who were former military, and former military strongman and current member of parliament Desi Bouterse. ¶2. (C) The Embassy is reviewing the list, developing more information about the defendants, and cross-checking with our own databases to ensure that appropriate action can be taken with respect to Consular affairs and USG-sponsored programs and exchanges. A more detailed list will follow septel. ¶3. (U) The list of defendants as printed in De Ware Tijd: (1) Desi Bouterse (2) Roy Esajas (3) Ernst Gefferie (4) Ruben Rozendaal (5) John Nelom (6) Johnny Hardjoprajietno (7) Marcel Zeeuw (8) Benny Brodenstein (9) Stefanus Dendoe (10) Etienne Boerenveen (11) Badrisein Sital (12) Dick de Bie (13) Iwan Krolis (14) Harvey Naarendorp (15) Winston Caldeira (16) Errol Alibux (17) Imro Themen (18) Edgar Dijksteel (19) Lucien Lewis (20) Wim Carbierre (21) Jimmy Leonard Stolk (22) Orlando Gerrit Heidanus (23) Arthy Gorre (24) Edgar Ritfeld (25) an individual named only as "Kempes" ¶4. (U) According to Suriname's penal code, defendants must receive their summonses at least 4 days before the start date of their trial. Defendants who fail to appear can be brought into court on a court order from the presiding judge. Trial in absentia is a possibility. GENTON