'Baby Doc' Duvalier back in Haiti after exile

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Former dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier returned to Haiti Sunday after nearly 25 years in exile, a surprising and perplexing move that comes as his country struggles with a political crisis and the stalled effort to recover from last year's devastating earthquake.

Duvalier, in a dark suit and tie, arrived on an Air France jet to hugs from supporters at the airport. He left the airport without making a statement to journalists, waving to a crowd of more than 200 supporters.

"He is happy to be back in this country, back in his home," said Mona Beruaveau, a candidate for Senate in a Duvalierist party. Beruaveau said Duvalier would give a news conference today.

In 2007, President René Préval told reporters that Duvalier could return but would face justice for the deaths of thousands of people and the theft of millions of dollars while he was in power.

It was not clear why the former dictator chose this tumultuous moment to return. There were no protests in reaction to his return, as very few were even aware he had come back to Haiti, where more than 1 million people are living in crowded, squalid tent encampments after their homes were destroyed in the Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake.

Nearby, 42-year-old Marline Joseph, 42, living in the camp with her three kids, was also somewhat hopeful. "He's here, that's good. Now, what is he going to do for the country?"

In 1986, Haitians danced in the streets to celebrate Duvalier's overthrow, heckling him as he was flown into exile in France. Many Haitians hoped he had left for good, closing a dark chapter of terror and repression that began under his late father, Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier. - AP