Bram Behr, Surinamese journalist and activist (d. 1982)

Abraham Maurits "Bram" Behr: A Voice Against Dictatorship in Suriname

Abraham Maurits "Bram" Behr (18 January 1951 – 8 December 1982) was a prominent Surinamese journalist and political activist whose life was tragically cut short due to his unwavering opposition to military rule. Behr’s commitment to truth and justice made him a significant figure in Suriname’s turbulent political landscape during the early 1980s.

Journalistic Endeavors and Political Activism

Behr utilized his journalistic platforms as powerful instruments for political commentary and critique. He famously published the pamphlet De Rode Surinamer (The Red Surinamer), which served as a crucial outlet for his views and a call to action for his readers. Furthermore, he was the editor of the weekly newspaper Mokro, a publication whose name, derived from the Sranan Tongo word for "people" or "nation," underscored its focus on the concerns and aspirations of the Surinamese populace. Through these media, Behr consistently challenged the prevailing political norms and advocated for a more just society.

Founding the Hoxhaist Communist Party of Suriname (KPS)

Bram Behr's political convictions extended to the formal establishment of a political party. On 24 June 1973, he founded and subsequently led the Hoxhaist Communist Party of Suriname (KPS). The KPS adhered to Hoxhaism, a distinct anti-revisionist Marxist-Leninist ideology based on the political philosophy of Enver Hoxha, Albania's long-time leader. This ideology advocated for a strict, centralized socialist state, vehemently opposing what it considered deviations from true communism, including Soviet revisionism and Maoism. Under Behr's leadership, the KPS positioned itself as a radical force, advocating for fundamental societal change and openly opposing any form of authoritarian rule.

Opposition to the Military Dictatorship of Dési Bouterse

Following the military coup of February 1980, led by Desiré Delano "Dési" Bouterse, Suriname transitioned into an authoritarian military dictatorship. Bram Behr emerged as a staunch and vocal opponent of this new regime. He consistently condemned the military's suppression of civil liberties, its human rights abuses, and its general disregard for democratic principles. His journalistic output and political activism through the KPS directly challenged Bouterse’s increasingly repressive rule, making him a significant figure in the democratic resistance movement.

The Tragic December Murders

Bram Behr's courageous dissent ultimately led to his tragic demise on 8 December 1982. He was among fifteen prominent critics of the Bouterse regime who were arbitrarily detained, tortured, and summarily executed at Fort Zeelandia, the then-headquarters of the military regime in Paramaribo. This horrific event, infamously known as the December Murders (or Decembermoorden in Dutch), targeted a diverse group of intellectuals, journalists, lawyers, academics, military officers, and trade union leaders who dared to speak out against the dictatorship. The victims included well-known figures such as trade union leader Cyrill Daal, lawyer Eddy Hoost, and journalist Lesley Rahman, among others. The murders sent shockwaves internationally, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and governments, and forever altered the political landscape of Suriname. The legacy of the December Murders continues to be a defining and unresolved issue in Surinamese history, with ongoing legal proceedings against those deemed responsible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bram Behr and The December Murders

Who was Abraham Maurits "Bram" Behr?

Bram Behr was a Surinamese journalist and political leader born on January 18, 1951, known for founding and leading the Hoxhaist Communist Party of Suriname (KPS). He was a prominent critic of Dési Bouterse's military dictatorship and was among the victims of the December Murders in 1982.

What publications did Bram Behr contribute to?

He published the pamphlet De Rode Surinamer (The Red Surinamer) and served as the editor of the weekly newspaper Mokro. Both platforms were used to express his political views and critique the authoritarian regime.

What was the Hoxhaist Communist Party of Suriname (KPS)?

Founded by Bram Behr on June 24, 1973, the KPS was a political party adhering to Hoxhaism, an anti-revisionist Marxist-Leninist ideology based on the teachings of Albania's Enver Hoxha. The party was a staunch opponent of the military dictatorship in Suriname.

What were the December Murders?

The December Murders refer to the extrajudicial killings of fifteen prominent opponents of the Dési Bouterse military regime on December 8, 1982, at Fort Zeelandia in Paramaribo, Suriname. Bram Behr was one of the victims, along with other journalists, lawyers, academics, and trade union leaders.

Why were Bram Behr and others targeted in the December Murders?

They were targeted because they were vocal critics and political opponents of the military dictatorship led by Dési Bouterse. Their activism and public dissent challenged the authority and legitimacy of the regime.