Bishop: “Important role for president Desi Bouterse”

A special committee that consists of people from various religious backgrounds and expertise to give advice to Bishop Karel Choennie and to help President Bouterse build a more peaceful Suriname after verdicts have been announced in the December 8 trial. The bishop pointed out that “this is a historic opportunity to make the right choice in the best interest of Suriname.” Choennie referred to this as phase one. In February the head of the Roman Catholic church in Suriname met with the head of state and offered his services for a peaceful process after the conclusion of the December 8 trial. The bishop is in favor of letting the legal proceedings continue without being hampered so that the dark chapter in the nation’s history can finally be closed. The Roman Catholic Church has also asked the Vatican and the Organization of American States (OAS) for help. The church has also held talks with the International Centre for Transitional Justice.

The Committee of Christian Churches and the Interreligious Council in Suriname (Iris) have also indicated that they want to lend a helping hand. Other religious organizations are also willing to pitch in. Choennie made it clear that the committee will not collaborate with the Committee for Victims and Surviving Relatives of Political Violence because both organizations have a different opinion regarding the resumption of the December 8 trial. The committee consists of Wim Udenhout, Stanley Raghoebarsing, Bishop Emile Ritfeld, Marie Levens, Cornelis Ardjosemito, Margo Waterval, Harold Rusland, Pandit Rabinder Nandoe, Hans Breeveld, Robbert Bipat and Pandit Soesila Baldew-Malhoe.