Hugo Essid, a lawyer for relatives surrounding the December 8 murders in Suriname, is concerned about some statements made last week by some of Dessie Bouterse’s supporters.

In particular, former Cabinet Director Eugene van der San said that a legal dispute had arisen between the convicts and the Surinamese Public Prosecution Service (OM), as a result of which the Court of Justice must first clarify this before the Public Prosecution Service could implement this sentence. He pointed out the possibility of unrest in Suriname if the Public Prosecution imprisoned those convicted after January 8.

He added: “Added to this statement is that if capture occurs, there will be war in Suriname. I must say that with these blatant threats, these voices do not show a commitment to the rule of law.”

He ignores the statement by Van der Saan and NDP member Marcel Ostburg that there may have been errors in the ruling or that the amnesty law, which the Constitutional Court declared non-binding in 2022, will still be valid for the convicts.

The lawyer says he is confident that the National Party called on the community and party supporters in all official statements to remain calm and not disturb order and peace. He hopes this will continue even after the sentence is implemented.

Monday 8 January is the last day Bouterse and other convicts still have the opportunity to apply for clemency. If not, the penalty could be implemented from January 9. Al-Sadiq expects the Public Prosecution to inform the community about this matter.