Surinamese Public Prosecution Service: Bouterse Died of Liver Failure Due to Alcohol Abuse

paramaribo - The Surinamese former president Desi Bouterse has died from 'complications of liver failure in severe liver fibrosis, caused by chronic alcohol use,' as revealed in the autopsy report of the pathologist, the Surinamese Public Prosecution Service announced in a press release on Saturday.

The body will be handed over to the family, the Prosecution Service added that the police investigation continues. The investigation aims to determine where Bouterse was hiding and who helped him evade the authorities.

The Surinamese government announced earlier on Saturday that Bouterse will not receive a state funeral and there will be no national mourning period. However, flags will be flown at half-mast on government buildings on the day of the funeral. The Ministry of Defense and the military leadership also decided not to grant the usual military tribute to Bouterse as a former military leader.

The Minister of the Interior will be present if the family wishes, but will not give a speech. President Chan Santokhi will offer condolences to the widow of the former president over the phone and provide police assistance for traffic safety during Bouterse's final farewell.

Bouterse had been a fugitive since January 2024 after being sentenced to twenty years in prison for his role in the December Murders of 1982. On Christmas Day, the government confirmed his death. Authorities seized his body for an autopsy, which showed no signs of foul play, the police had previously reported.