Terror suspect gets acquittal: “Justice has prevailed”

“Justice has prevailed,” Nasser I told Times of Suriname after he was acquitted of terror charges. Nasser I also stated that “I am glad that everything is over.” “It’s time for me to pick up the pieces. I knew all along that I was innocent,” said Nasser whose brother, Raoul A, was found guilty of being a member of a terror organization in the period 2015-2017 and violating the Firearms Act. Judge Alida Johanns sentenced Raoul A to two years in prison and a probation period of three years. The defendant was released from prison due to the fact that he has already been in jail for the past two years.

Defense Attorneys Michella Lau-Kerssenberg ad Murwin Dubois deemed it a historic verdict. Dubois pointed out that the role that Nasser I had played had already become clear during the investigation. “I was puzzled by the fact that he was nevertheless summoned to court. I am glad that he has been acquitted,” said Dubois who added that “a lot of commotion was made regarding this case but that there were no fireworks.” “This case served as a test case. This was the first time that we had been confronted with such a case,” said Dubois who added that both brothers had expressed their opinion and that “there was no terrorism.” “Everybody is entitled to have his or her own opinion,” said Dubois. Nasser I had given a man called Riaz N a place to stay and he had also brought him to the airport at Zanderij but that does not link him to terrorism. No bullets were found at the house of Nasser I. From the very beginning it was clear that Nasser I was innocent,” said Lau-Kerssenberg who added that “it is not clear if Nasser I will claim damages.” Raoul A is glad that he can finally go home.