According to the intuition, the results of the autopsy revealed “that the cause of death was a complication of liver failure due to severe hepatic fibrosis” and indicated the date of death between December 23 and 24.

It added that “the body will be handed over to his relatives and the police investigation continues,” because it is a mystery how an unknown person took the body despite the security device around Bouterse’s house.

The former president died at the age of 79 in an unknown location and an arrest warrant was pending against him.

On Saturday, the Surinamese Government confirmed that it will not organize a state funeral for him, nor will it declare a period of mourning in the country and will only instruct that flags fly at half-mast in official buildings when the funeral is finally held, the date of which is yet to be determined.

The Surinamese police seized Bouterse’s body last Thursday after it was taken to his relatives’ home in Paramaribo, proceeded with the autopsy to determine the cause of death and at the same time opened a criminal investigation.

According to the police, the body showed no signs of criminality and several people are under police questioning.

Supporters of the deceased politician are visiting the headquarters of his National Democratic Party to sign the book of condolences, while they await the delivery of the remains to organize the funeral, which is expected to be held on January 3 or 4, if the Government releases the body by that date.

jg/npg/ymr