Prosectors were not invited to start of VIO training

Most prosecutors were not present at the start of the crash course for future prosecutors (VIO). Reports indicate that 16 students had signed up for the course. It turned out that the prosecutors had not been invited to the start of the VIO training. Chief District Attorney Cynthia Klein and acting Attorney General Carmen Rasam were the only ones who were present. Sources told Times of Suriname that some of the students who have been selected lack adequate experience. Sources also claimed that people who met all of the requirements were not selected. People who were between the ages 25 and 40 were asked to apply for a spot but reports indicate that some people who have been selected are in fact older than 40. Prosecutors expressed their discontent especially given the fact that they had not received any information about recent cases such as the drug plane and submarine that were recently intercepted and seized in the Saramacca District. “The only information that we have is the information that was published by the press,” said the sources. The prosecutors also criticized the fact that they are no longer involved in the decisionmaking. They strongly criticized the VIO committee which selected the 16 students. They accused the committee of lacking the capability to deliver quality. Attorney General Roy Bajnath Panday and Rasam could not be reached for comment.