But after half a century of tyrannical rule from a regime which fanned sectarian hatred and warned that Alawites would be massacred if they ever lost power, it is an adjustment to say the least.

Throughout history and across the planet today, corrupt autocrats have used pardons and other mechanisms to create regimes of impunity that welcome corruption and perpetuate tyrannical rule.

But some Ugandans want to change that — not to emphasize Amin’s tyrannical rule but to highlight any positive aspects of it, including what they say was his commitment to local industry as well as African solidarity.

The phrase “appeal to heaven” comes from a treatise John Locke wrote in defense of the concept of violent revolution under tyrannical rule.

The elder Marcos was known for tyrannical rule, though his son has rejected labeling him a dictator.