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He "disputed reports by one of his lawyers and a former government functionary (claiming) he had presidential ambitions." In a prepared statement, he said, "I formally deny all political statements, vague or otherwise that are attributed to me," stopping short of specifically denying he'll run for president, apparently permitted under Haiti's Constitution even for a former despot.
What's ahead is anyone's guess, but some issues are clear. Duvalier faces no serious prosecution threat. At most, he'll be hand-slapped, perhaps agree to return pennies on the dollars he stole, but be able to stay or leave as he wishes and remain free in luxury until all issues against him are resolved.
In a January 21 email, Law Professor Francis Boyle commented on his arrival, saying:
"No way Baby Doc could have returned without connivance/permission by Obama and Sarkozy. Obviously, they plan to reinstall (him) as Dictator and Front-Man. And Obama/Sarkozy have denied the right of President Aristide to return. But I am confident that the Haitians have such a great revolutionary tradition that they will find another Toussaint L'Overture to throw out Baby Doc/Obama/Sarkozy - just as they threw out Napoleon supported by Thomas Jefferson, the slave-owner. In that regard, Obama is a 'worthy' successor to Jefferson - denying the Haitians their Right to Self-Determination" as he did by refusing recognition, fearing US slaves also might seek freedom.
Other Developments
Al Jazeera reports that four Haitians, including a former UN spokeswoman for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Michele Montas, filed criminal charges of torture and other abuses against Duvalier with a Port-au-Prince prosecutor.
According to Montas:
"We have lodged lawsuits for arbitrary detention, exile, destruction of private property, torture and moral violation of civil and political rights. There are grounds not only to judge him for economic crimes but also for human rights abuses."
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