12.15.2007

OM has not warned me on time

Same as last time, a huge amount of media came to Aruba this time to cover the detention of the three suspects.

Amigoe.com
12/14/2007

ORANJESTAD – Justice-minister Rudy Croes (MEP) says that he should have been informed earlier of the detention of the three suspects in the Holloway-case. “Now that everything is back on the table, the reputation of Aruba is harmed again internationally.”

The case could have been dealt with more carefully if he was informed on time, suggested the minister. “Was it well-considered to make the arrests? If there were plenty of evident, they would not have been released.” He considers the contact between him and the Public Prosecutor (OM) about the recent developments in the Holloway-case an abnormal working situation. “As a matter of fact, I am ultimately responsible for this matter; the OM falls under my policy. Doesn’t that mean that I should have been informed in advance? There is no need for me to do anything any longer and we must save what can be saved. Let’s drop the case as soon as possible.”

According to chief district attorney Hans Mos, the justice-minister, who as opposed to Parliament is politically responsible for the actions of the OM, was one of the first persons that were informed after the arrests. “He was immediately informed together with the prime minister. Our scheme clearly mentions that.” He says that it is however unusual to inform the minister in advance of an arrest. “That only happened in very special cases that affect the public order and safety of a country, like with terrorist crimes. In individual criminal cases like this one, the OM makes decisions and the minister must not work against it. Some people are more worried about the reputation of the country than they are about solving criminal cases. These seem to be subordinated to economic interests; you can then do away with the police and justice.” Mos emphasized that the government and the justice-minister could have always contacted him about the case. “But the minister has not once asked for an explanation on the arrests. I would have done this with pleasure.”

Besides, the OM doesn’t want to continue dragging the case and has decided to set the deadline on December 31 of this year. The prosecution is currently thinking over continuing or dismissing the case. That all three suspects appealed to their right to remain silent after their arrest was an obstacle for justice. That was also the reason why the judge has decided to release them from custody, because it didn’t serve any purpose.

RESEARCH SHIP DELAYED DUE TO OLGA

The unusual December storm in the Caribbean, Olga, has delayed the arrival of the research ship that Dave Holloway wants to bring to Aruba to search the seabed for the body of his daughter. The management of Texas Equusearch ‘Mounted Search and Recovery Team’ cannot say when the search can start. “Keep praying”, said the relief organization on the website. The tropical storm Olga has already caused the death of 8 persons in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.