Funeral of Desi Bouterse in Paramaribo, Livestream in Amsterdam-Zuidoest

paramaribo - The funeral of Desi Bouterse, a controversial figure in Surinamese history, is taking place in Paramaribo with livestream options available in Amsterdam-Zuidoost.

In Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname, Desi Bouterse is being bid farewell after his recent passing at the age of 79. Bouterse, who was sentenced to twenty years in prison in December 2023 for his involvement in the 1982 December Murders, had been in hiding since January 2024. The December Murders saw the deaths of fifteen opposition members during Bouterse's military regime. Throughout his life, Bouterse has held various roles including coup leader, dictator, party chairman, parliamentarian, president, convicted drug dealer, and fugitive murderer.

The funeral proceedings began with a private gathering of close family members at Bouterse's residence in Leonsberg, located in the northern part of Paramaribo. A scheduled procession taking a 40-kilometer route through places of significance to Bouterse in Paramaribo will commence at 13:30 CET. Supporters and well-wishers will have an opportunity to pay their respects at the NDP party headquarters starting from 15:00 CET, with a carefully managed flow around the casket. The procession will culminate in a cremation ceremony at a nearby crematorium at 20:00 CET, with road closures in place by the police for security reasons.

In the Netherlands, specifically in Amsterdam-Zuidoest, individuals will have the option to watch the cremation ceremony via livestream and offer condolences by signing a register. These arrangements are being facilitated by the Friends of the NDP Netherlands and the Sons of Slaves Brotherhood, allowing those outside Suriname to participate in honoring Desi Bouterse's life.