Suriname Pursues Justice for 1982 ‘December Murders’: A Landmark Case Begins
A pivotal legal battle commenced this week as families of victims of the 1982 “December Murders” in Suriname initiated a lawsuit against the state. The case, a bodemprocedure (substantive procedure), seeks not only financial compensation but too formal apologies and acknowledgment of wrongdoing. This marks a significant step in a decades-long quest for justice and accountability.
The Core of the Claim: State Responsibility
Advocate Hugo Essed, representing the families, argues that the Surinamese state bears responsibility for the murders, which involved individuals acting as state officials utilizing state resources. The claim centers on the premise that the actions of those involved – using weapons and facilities of the National Army – implicate the state in the atrocities. Essed suggests the state can then pursue recourse against the perpetrators or their estates, though acknowledges the practical difficulties of recovering assets.
Financial Demands and the Pursuit of Justice
Sixty families are participating in the legal action, representing the descendants of fifteen men killed on December 8, 1982. Each family is seeking €500,000 for material damages and €750,000 for immaterial damages, totaling over €18 million. Families are requesting SRD 250,000 to cover legal and procedural costs, alongside a daily penalty of SRD 500,000 per family should the state fail to comply with a potential ruling.
Notably, five other families have chosen not to participate in the current proceedings, a decision Essed stated he could not comment on, as he has no contact with those families.
A Long Road to Potential Resolution
Essed anticipates a ruling within approximately one year, given the swift start to the proceedings. The case is being heard at the kantongerecht in Paramaribo, with the state represented by Murwin Dubois and Milton Castelen. The legal strategy focuses on establishing the state’s culpability and securing both financial redress and, crucially, a formal acknowledgment of the injustices suffered.
The Broader Context: Seeking Closure After Decades
The December Murders remain a deeply sensitive and traumatic event in Surinamese history. The victims – John Baboeram, Cyril Daal, Edmund Hoost, Rudie Kamperveen, Harrie Oemrawsingh, Leslie Rahman, Cornelis Riedewald, Jiwansing Sheombar, Jozef Slagveer and Somradj Sohansingh – were prominent figures who were critical of the then-military regime. The pursuit of justice has been protracted and fraught with challenges, making this current legal action a watershed moment for the families involved.
FAQ
Q: How many families are involved in the lawsuit?
A: Sixty families, representing the descendants of fifteen victims, are participating.
Q: What is the total amount of financial compensation being sought?
A: Over €18 million, plus legal costs and potential daily penalties.
Q: Why are some families not participating in the lawsuit?
A: The reason for their non-participation is unknown to the legal representation.
Q: What is the expected timeline for a ruling?
A: Approximately one year, according to Advocate Hugo Essed.
Q: What is the basis for holding the state responsible?
A: The claim is based on the argument that the murders were committed by individuals acting as state officials using state resources.
Did you know? The case is being pursued as a “bodemprocedure,” a substantive legal procedure, rather than a preliminary injunction.
Pro Tip: Understanding the legal framework of Suriname is crucial to grasping the complexities of this case. Further research into Surinamese law can provide valuable context.
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