PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC) – The vice- chairman of Suriname’s main Opposition National Democratic Party (NDP), Ramon Abrahams, says while the party has not requested a state funeral for former president Desi Bouterse, “if it comes, it comes”.

Bouterse, 79, and his body guard, Iwan Dijksteel, had been on the run since December last year following their convictions in the December 8, 1982, murders of 15 men including journalists, military officers, union leaders, lawyers, businessmen and university lecturers. Bouterse was given a 20 year jail term, while Dijksteel was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Abrahams said the fact that Bouterse, who died on Tuesday, could not be found was because “Bouterse was a top soldier and the organization is very good and cool.

“I can be very brief about that. That is to say that the organization is very good. Right? A very good and cool organization. That has now been proven again.”

Abrahams confirmed that Bouterse’s body was “delivered” to his home on Leonsberg by third parties, insisting that a state funeral was not requested.

A condolence book has since been opened and Abrahams told reporters “we cannot plan much at the moment because the body is still confiscated by the Public Prosecution Service.

“An autopsy is being performed on the body. As long as the body has not been released, we cannot organize anything, he added.

He said that signing the condolence book is one of the activities being planned and will be taken to various districts in the country.

But Abrahams believes that the funeral could be held January 3 or 4 adding “in any case, we are not asking for it. If it comes, it comes. Then it is there. But we are waiting patiently”.

Abrahams said the party supporters and relatives are calmly awaiting the autopsy report.

Bouterse had been placed on an International Police (INTERPOL) Red Notice list, which is an official request to law enforcement authorities worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action. It is based on an arrest or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country.

Earlier this week, the police carried out raids at Bouterse’s home as part of operation ‘Christmas bread’ but came up empty handed. The Suriname Police Force has not issued any statement regarding the raids.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the National Party Suriname (NPS), Gregory Rusland, said Bouterse “has had a great influence on the politics of our country for 45 years.

“We recognize that parts of society experienced and regarded him as their leader, while others had serious problems with his functioning. Many suffered from the human rights violations during the eighties.”

Rusland said he is aware that Bouterse’s death has affected a large segment of the society but, “nevertheless we call on everyone to remain calm.

“Finally, we wish to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Mr Desi Bouterse and wish them strength with this passing.”