Posted By – Ben Mayer:
PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI — In his first major press conference since his unlikely return to Haiti, former Haitian premiere Jean-Claude Duvalier told mobs of jostling press it was the earthquake that brought “Baby Doc” back.
Alongside him were two unlikely attorneys from North Georgia, Bob Barr and Ed Marger.
“His father told him if you ever have a problem with the United States, call me,” Marger said at the press conference Friday.
Duvalier spoke of the “profound sadness” for anyone who believes they were harmed by his regime. Duvalier was exiled for 25 years amid allegations of detention without trial, systematic torture, disappearances and extrajudicial killings that took place in Haiti between 1971 and 1986.
Amnesty International says that thousands of Haitians suffered grave injustices under Duvalier’s rule.
Barr, a former Congressman, and Marger, a North Georgia attorney fielded questions from the press in a rented guest house.
“I was deeply moved as I listened to [Duvalier’s] words a few minutes ago,” Barr said of “Baby Doc’s” address in continental French.
“I am also reminded of those who have risen from the ashes,” Barr said. “The city of Atlanta is the Phoenix City. The people of Haiti likewise will rise from the problems created by last year’s earthquake and will emerge stronger, better for it.”
“Regardless of what many people think or do or say about Duvalier regimes, at least there was stability in the country and the people in great measure were progressive. That progress has come to a screeching halt,” Marger said.
Marger spoke fondly of the time he knew Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier, “Baby Doc’s” father. He also reassured the press in the room that they would work to restore trust when it came to the distribution of aide money.
“Bob Barr was a congressman for 8 years, although I hate to say he’s a Republican…I myself am a Democrat,” Marger said in a moment of levity at the press conference.
Marger told 11Alive’s Jeff Hullinger before departing Thursday from his Jasper legal practice he had known the Duvalier family since the ’60s.
(The Associated Press and CNN contributed to this report. )