Leader of foiled coup executed in Surinam

Sgt. Maj. Wilfred Hawker, accused of heading a coup attempt in Surinam last week, was shot by a firing squad, the country's military leader said.

Lt. Col. Daysi Bouterse said that Hawker was executed after a one-day trial. Hawker had been serving a five-year prison term for leading a revolt against the military government in March 1981.

Surinam, on South America's northeast coast, became independent from the Netherlands in 1975. The Dutch government condemned the execution, saying Hawker was not charged or given a trial.