Day of Liberation and Innovation 2023: Date, History, Facts

The Republic of Suriname, the smallest country in South America, celebrates the Day of Liberation and Innovation on February 25 annually. On February 25, 1980, a military coup led by Sergeant-Major Dési Bouterse and 15 other military sergeants who refused to recognise the corrupt government in power overthrew it. This multiethnic tropical nation is an ecotourism destination with breathtaking natural scenery and hospitable people. Formerly known as Revolution Day, the date is now known as the Day of Liberation and Innovation.

The background of Day of Liberation and Innovation

Suriname, formerly known as Dutch Guiana, was a plantation colony of the Netherlands until its independence on November 25, 1975. A military sergeant named Dési Bouterse overthrew the corrupt government of Suriname on February 25, 1980, in a violent coup known as the “Sergeants’ Coup.” Together with fifteen other military sergeants, known as the Group of Sixteen, Bouterse imposed a military dictatorship on the country. Bouterse became the de facto leader of the National Military Council of Suriname and its chairman.

On the day of the uprising, soldiers fired upon the Central Police Station before torching it. It is currently referred to as a “monument of the Revolution.” The regime imposed a nighttime curfew and severely restricted press freedom, permitting only one newspaper to be published with heavy censorship. From 1980 to 1988, there was a succession of military regimes. Although Bouterse installed titular presidents, he remained the actual leader and controller. The terrible regime, which was marked by numerous violations of human rights, lasted from 1980 to 1991.

On December 7 and 8, 1982, Bouterse committed his worst crimes. 15 prominent men accused of criticising Bouterse’s military dictatorship or having ties to the coup attempt in March of that year were tortured and executed in what became known as the ‘December murders.’ There were two attorneys and a journalist in the group. As one of Bouterse’s many crimes, he ordered soldiers to massacre his opponents’ village, resulting in the deaths of innocent women and children. He was also found guilty in absentia of cocaine trafficking in the Netherlands. Bouterse was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison in November 2019 for the December murders. He plans to appeal his conviction.

EDSA Revolution Anniversary 2023: Date, History, Facts

5 KEY FACTS ABOUT SURINAME

Suriname is situated in northern South America and is slightly larger than the state of Georgia in the United States.

The smallest sovereign state in South America is Suriname.

Suriname’s population is approximately 575 thousand.

Suriname’s currency is the Surinamese dollar.

The economy of the developing nation of Suriname is primarily dependent on its abundant natural resources.

DAY OF LIBERATION AND INNOVATION DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	February 25	Saturday
2024	February 25	Sunday
2025	February 25	Tuesday
2026	February 25	Wednesday
2027	February 25	Thursday