Heavy security at Military Court on January 22

The police will provide heavy security at the Military Court’s session on January 22. On that day the Military Court is scheduled to handle the objection of Desi Bouterse. There will be security inside and outside the court building. The police will also close off the Mgr Wulfinghstraat that day so now public traffic will be allowed in that street. This has also been the case with previous sessions of the Military Court. Bouterse told the supporters of the National Democratic Party (NDP) that he would be present in court on January 22. On November 29 Bouterse was sentenced in absentia to 20 years in prison for conspiracy in the killings of 15 victims on December 8, 1982. The trial lasted 12 years namely from

November 8, 2007 until November 29, 2019. Defense Attorney Irvin Kanhai on November 30, 2007 claimed that the Military Court was unauthorized. On December 17, 2007 the ruling on this matter was announced. After that the defense attorney presented two more motions in defense of his client. Both motions were rejected by the Military Court in 2018. On

June 25, 2018 the defense asked for the president of the Miltary Court to be recused. The Court of Justice announced a ruling on that matter. After that the defense pointed out that the amended Amnesty Act must be obeyed. The defense team also asked for the trial to be ended on the basis of Article 148 of the Constitution.