Attorneys deem subpoena Hoefdraad null and void

The attorneys Irene Lalji, Murwin Dubois and Frank Truideman on Friday requested that the court declare the subpoena for their client, Gillmore Hoefdraad, null and void. Lalji explained that the proper procedures had not been followed. Hoefdraad was summoned to appear before the Court of Justice on Friday. The offices of the attorneys who represent the former minister of Finance had received a copy of the subpoena via their assistants on December 2. “Hoefdraad did not attend the trial. We are requesting that the subpoena be declared null and void.” A voluntary appearance of Hoefdraad would reportedly have ‘justified’ the subpoena.

Lalji explained that the subpoena indicates that Hoefdraad has a known address in the country. Hoefdraad currently is not in jail. Lalji also explained that the subpoena must be delivered in a certain manner. If the address of the person is unknown the subpoena must be delivered to a housemate. “The subpoena was neither delivered to Hoefdraad nor to a housemate. In such a case the subpoena must be delivered to the head of the local administration which is the district commissioner. The defense has concluded that the subpoena has not been delivered to the DC,” said Lalji who added that Article 517 paragraph 2 clearly states that the clerk of the court should have put an announcement on the courthouse. “This also has not been done.” The failure to follow the proper procedures therefore makes the subpoena null and void.