A Suriname court martial has adjourned the trial of President Desi Bouterse and 24 others accused of involvement in the so-called December murders of 15 political opponents in 1982.

The trial will not resume until a ruling determines whether a recently-passed law granting the defendants amnesty complies with the country’s constitution. The court partial has put the question to a Judge Advocate representing the Public Prosecutor. The matter will also be submitted to a constitutional court that is yet to be created. The court martial will only proceed with the trial once a verdict has been issued regarding the constitutionality of the amnesty law. The ruling cannot be appealed. The move means the trial could be suspended for several years. The creation of a constitutional tribunal has been the subject of debate for decades.

(cl/imm)

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