Simone Ovide; Widow of Haitian Dictator

Simone Ovide, 83, the widow of Haitian dictator Francois Duvalier--better known as “Papa Doc.” Known as “Mama Doc” or “Mama Simone,” Ovide fled to France with her son, Jean-Claude, and his family in 1986 after decades of repressive rule by the family led to widespread unrest. Tens of thousands of Haitians were killed and tortured during the 1957-86 dynasty founded by her husband. The couple’s son, Jean-Claude--known as “Baby Doc”--became president at the age of 19 upon his father’s death in 1971. His militia, known as the Tontons Macoutes, spread extortion and terror across the country, imposing the will of the Duvalier family and the rest of Haiti’s governing elite. The Haitian government filed a suit earlier this year against Simone Ovide and 34 others tied to Jean-Claude Duvalier, accusing them of “embezzlement of funds, theft, pillaging public funds and damage to the Haitian state.” In Paris on Dec. 26.