Haiti officials renew passport for Duvalier

In this Associated Press file photo taken early 2012, former dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier drives away from the courthouse with longtime companion Veronique Roy, after attending a closed hearing in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. AP/Ramon Espinosa, File

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti— The lawyer for Haiti’s former dictator, Jean-Claude Duvalier, says immigration officials have renewed his client’s diplomatic passport.

Attorney Reynold Georges said Saturday that Haiti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reissued the expired travel document for Duvalier last month as is customary for ex-presidents and former prime ministers.

“Baby Doc” Duvalier suddenly came back to Haiti in 2011 following 25 years in exile in France. Upon his return, Haitian authorities immediately began an investigation into the human rights abuses associated with his 15-year rule.

But a judge last year recommended that Duvalier be indicted on financial crimes. He faces no more than five years if convicted.

The case is now in the appeals process. George said a hearing is set for Jan. 24.