A judge in Haiti says he will recommend that former president Jean-Claude Duvalier, known as Baby Doc, should stand trial on corruption charges but not for human rights abuses during his 15-year rule.
Officials say torture and murder committed when Mr Duvalier was president in the 1970s and 80s fell outside Haiti's statute of limitations.
The BBC reports that the decision will be some succour to Mr Duvalier's many critics but will be overshadowed by the recommendation that he be spared prosecution for the many atrocities committed during his rule.
Human rights groups argue that, under international law, there can be no statute of limitations for crimes against humanity.
Mr Duvalier's lawyers have already said they will appeal against any decision to put him on trial. He has denied embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars.
Mr Duvalier returned to Haiti a year ago after 25 years in exile.
