In a recent press conference, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding the December case, clarifying that she has not received an official pardon request from the four men convicted in the trial. She emphasized that her office has only received a letter from their lawyer, Irvin Kanhai, and not a signed petition from the individuals themselves.
President Simons underscored that a pardon request must be a personal act, requiring the direct involvement and signature of the convicted individuals. This principle aligns with the nearly 1,000 pardon requests submitted in anticipation of Suriname’s 50th anniversary of independence. ‘A pardon is a request from the detainee themselves. As long as that is not on my desk, I know nothing about it,’ she stated. She further clarified that unsigned letters do not qualify as formal pardon requests.
The President noted that she has received numerous pardon requests from other detainees, all of which were processed through the Ministry of Justice & Police and met all necessary requirements, including the signatures of the applicants.
Regarding the December case, President Simons declared it legally closed. ‘What I personally think, or what you personally think, no longer matters. The judge has made the decision; the case is over,’ she responded to a question. She assured that the human rights of all detainees, including the four convicted individuals, are being respected but reiterated that she sees no reason to reopen the matter.
‘We forget no one, including these four individuals. But neither you nor anyone else will get me to reopen this drama,’ she firmly stated. President Simons concluded by emphasizing her focus on the future of Suriname, stating, ‘I carry an entire country on my shoulders. The situation is not easy, but I continue to work to provide a better life for all Surinamese people.’