Jean Claude 'Baby Doc' Duvalier charged

Haiti's former head of state Jean Claude Duvalier was yesterday charged for several offences including corruption, theft and misappropriation of funds that were allegedly committed during his 15 year rule.



Fifty nine year old Duvalier had been removed from office in a popular revolt in 1968 and had been residing in exile in France before making his surprise return on Sunday.



Under Haitian law, the charges must now be investigated by a judge who will decide whether a judicial case should go ahead.



A number of human rights groups, including Amnesty International and American Watch, had called on the authorities in Haiti to arrest Duvalier, who had been staying at a luxury hotel since his return.



A French diplomatic source in Port-au-Prince told an international news agency that Duvalier had booked a return ticket to France dated January 20.