"In what is widely regarded among press freedom watchdogs as a breathtaking case of impunity, Desi Bouterse was sworn in as president of the south American republic of Suriname a week ago.
"During his phase as the country's dictator from 1980-87, he was accused of murdering five journalists. They were executed in 1982 along with 10 other pro-democracy activists. No independent media was permitted to operate under Bouterse in that period.
"He was sentenced in absentia to 11 years in prison in the Netherlands in 1999 on a charge of drug trafficking. And he is still facing a 20-year prison term in Suriname if convicted of the 1982 massacre.
"He has said that he recognises his political responsibility for the murders, but he has never admitted to being directly involved."
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