Switzerland blocks funds of Haiti ex-leader Duvalier

14:52, 2 February 2011

LONDON. February 2. KAZINFORM Switzerland has blocked funds held in Swiss bank accounts by Haiti's former leader Jean-Claude Duvalier under a law that has just come into force; Kazinform refers to BBC News.

The funds of some $6m (£3.7m) were frozen in 1986 after Mr Duvalier was ousted as Haitian president.

Last year, a Swiss court ruled that the money be returned to him but the Bern government sought a new law covering the restitution of the money to Haiti.

Mr Duvalier last month made a surprise return to Haiti from exile.

He has been charged with theft and misappropriation of funds during his 1971-1986 rule and is also being sued for torture and other crimes against humanity.

Mr Duvalier, also known as "Baby Doc", has denied any wrongdoing.

The new law took effect in Switzerland on 1 February, governing the "freezing, forfeiture and restitution" of assets.

It allows the Swiss authorities to confiscate funds and return them to the country of origin, even if the nation in question cannot seek restitution through the courts; Kazinform cites BBC News.

See www.bbc.co.uk for full version

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