Swiss Government Extends Freeze on Funds of “Baby Doc” Duvalier

On August 22, 2007, the Swiss government extended a freeze on all accounts connected to former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier and his family, ensuring that the accounts will remain blocked for a further year. The monies frozen include an account containing 7.6 million Swiss francs (U.S. $6.2 million). The Haitian government alleges the money was stolen from the Haitian government during the Duvalier administration before he was deposed in 1986. Swiss Foreign Ministry spokesman, Jean-Philippe Jeannerat said the extension of the freeze came amidst assurances from the Haitian government that it will initiate proceedings against Duvalier “in the near future.”...[more]