In Suriname the trial of the former army leader Desi Bouterse has resumed in Paramaribo.
For the first time, the trial was attended by six relatives of victims of the 1982 December murders who live in the Netherlands.
For emotional reasons the relatives had difficulty returning to Surinam for the trial. A great deal of legal wrangling also took place before they could appear as witnesses in the case.
Desi Bouterse did not attend the hearing, just as every other hearing since the trial started in November 2007. His lawyer says he has got Mexican flu.
Mr Bouterse is accused along with 24 others of the murders of 15 political opponents of the military rulers in Fort Zeelandia in December 1982.
Desi Bouterse led a coup d'état in February 1980, which was the beginning of a decade of dictatorship.
Photo: Desi Bouterse - ANP
ANP
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