US imposes entry ban on ex-Surinamese president, former military officials

Former Suriname president Desi Bouterse speaks during a news conference after the Court Martial of Suriname confirmed a 20-year jail sentence for his involvement in the murder of 15 people while he ruled in 1982 during his military government, in Paramaribo, Suriname August 31, 2021. REUTERS/Ranu Abhelakh

(Reuters) - The United States on Friday announced an entry ban on former Surinamese President Desi Bouterse and six former military officials, citing alleged involvement in the extrajudicial killings of political opponents in the 1980s.

"These individuals and four family members are generally ineligible for entry into the United States," the U.S. State Department said in a statement, which said the officials had been involved in the so-called "December Murders".