Baboerams issue strong statement

Arthur Baboeram, a relative of one of the 15 victims of December 8, 1982, on Friday issued a strong statement at the special church service that was held in the Cathedral. He issued the statement in response to the statements made and actions done by their brother, Dew Baboeram alias Sandew Hira. “The day my brother died was hell on Earth for my family and in particular my parents. My mother died in 2011 and my father died in 2012. They had always hoped that the perpetrators of the December 8, 1982 killings would be sentenced and that the soul of my brother John would finally be able to rest in peace. Unfortunately they did not live to see that day. Our brother Hira is making various statements and is committing acts that not only hurt the entire family but which also obscure the good name and honor of my brother and the other 14 victims of December 8. We do not support what he says and also want to emphasize that his claim that John Baboeram was busy planning a coup is not true. The family has decided to stay busy with uncovering the truth and supporting those who actually want to know the truth,” said Arthur who received a loud applause after he had concluded his speech. The service started when the pictures of the 15 victims were carried inside the Cathedral by relatives. The chairwoman of the Organization for Justice and Peace (OGV), Betty Goede, pointed out that this year’s theme is ‘Justice and Truth Set You Free.’ “On November 30 we commemorated the fact that the case was opened 10 years ago and that there still hasn’t been a verdict against the perpetrators of the December 8 killings. “That is why we hold this service every year. We must never forget what happened in Suriname in 1982,” said Goede.