Haitian Authorities Charge Ex-Dictator 'Baby Doc' With Financial Crimes

The former dictator, Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier, arrives at the Caribe Hotel in Port-au-Prince on January 16.

Haitian authorities have formally charged the country's formerly exiled dictator, Jean-Claude Duvalier, with corruption and other financial crimes stemming from his brutal regime more than two decades ago.

Police escorted Duvalier from his hotel and before a judge on January 18 following his surprise return to the country on January 16.

A heavily armed contingent of police led Duvalier, known as "Baby Doc" when he reigned over one of Haiti's darkest chapters, through his hotel and to a waiting vehicle. He was not wearing handcuffs.

Duvalier, 59, reportedly appeared calm and did not say anything.

The move has sparked speculation over whether Duvalier -- whom Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and others have urged the Haitian government to arrest -- might face charges for violent crimes committed under his regime.

Outside the hotel, he was jeered by some people and cheered by others.

Duvalier was forced into exile in 1986 in a mass uprising and had been living in exile in France.

compiled from agency reports