Haiti: Baby Doc can’t leave

Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier made a surprise return to Haiti on Sunday, 25 years after being kicked out. Now, a judge says he can't leave.

"A flight ban has been issued against Duvalier. He is barred from leaving the country because there is a court order against him," a Haitian judge said, according to AFP.

The former dictator's return to Haiti sparked fears and unrest inside the country and around the world. While his motives remain unclear, analysts have speculated that he returned during a time of great political uncertainty in the impoverished country in the hopes of taking advantage of the power vacuum and resuming power.

On Facebook, many GlobalPost readers responded to the news with dread.

Jay Patrick Greene-Coffindaffer wrote: "That's all they need. From the frying pan into the fire!!!!! He's taking advantage of the low moment that Haiti is experiencing."

Crystal Pegasus summed up the feelings of many: "oh my god horrible."

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A court charged Duvalier Tuesday with corruption, embezzlement of public funds and criminal association. Duvalier ruled Haiti from 1971 until 1986, when the public ousted him. He had been living in France.

Soon after Duvalier's return, ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide also said he wanted to return to Haiti.

“As far as I am concerned, I am ready,” he wrote in a statement given to the press Wednesday. “Once again, I express my readiness to leave today, tomorrow, at any time.”

U.S. officials said this is the "last thing" Haiti needs.

Read more from GlobalPost about Aristide's announcement.

DISCUSSION: Should Haiti allow Duvalier to leave the country? Should Aristide be allowed back in? Does either former leader deserve a second chance? Leave your comments on the political uncertainty in Haiti below.

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