300 detainees living in uncertainty

The trials of nearly 300 detainees last week were put on hold until further notice. The legal system has been paralyzed since last week. Judges have not been able to handle any cases because the clerks of the court are on strike to protest against the deplorable state of the courthouse located along the Frederik Derbystraat.

Defense Attorney Irene Lalji told Times of Suriname that these 300 detainees are living in uncertainty because they do not know when their cases will be handled by the court. Twenty detainees usually appear before each judge on a daily basis. Lalji explained that the defense attorneys also can’t tell their clients and their clients’ relatives when the court will handle their case. She pointed out that the attorneys are also living in uncertainty. The defense attorneys have not been told when the trials will be held and where they will be held. They are currently following news reports to get the latest news.

Lalji pointed out that she has already talked about the consequences of paralyzing the legal system. The suspects’ interests are being seriously violated and there is also the risk of riots breaking out in jail houses.

The current situation is also in violation of human rights treaties. The law clearly states that a case must be resumed without any interruptions.