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Jean-Claude Duvalier, the former Haitian dictator nicknamed "Baby Doc" after he succeeded his father in ruling the country, has died. Duvalier was the president of Haiti from 1971 to 1986, a brutal regime that ended in his exile. He returned to the country in 2011.


Duvalier died of a heart attack, reports 


In exile, Duvalier burned through the money he had taken with him when he fled Haiti, living in high style on the Riviera. A divorce and tax problems also took a toll on his finances, and in 2011 

 reported that the former dictator eventually downsized to a two-bedroom apartment where his rent was paid by loyal supporters — "many of them Haitian taxi drivers and waiters living in France on modest salaries."


The move back to Haiti was widely seen as Duvalier's comeback bid. But he ran into further trouble, as he faced charges of corruption and human rights abuses in his home country.

Haiti Libre quotes a statement by President Michel Joseph Martelly about Duvalier's death:


"I address my deepest sympathies to the place of the family and the entire Nation in this sad circumstance. Despite our quarrels and our differences, let's salute the departure of a true son of Haiti. Love and reconciliation must always overcome our quarrels. May your soul rest in peace."  Copyright 2019 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Duvalier was the president of Haiti from 1971 to 1986, when he was ousted from office and sent into exile.

Haiti's 'Baby Doc' Duvalier dies at 63

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