In a dramatic courtroom reversal, Lieutenant Colonel Danielle Veira, former head of the Directorate of National Security (DNV), was fully acquitted of all charges by the Military Court on January 30th. The emotional scene unfolded immediately after the verdict was delivered, with Veira visibly overcome with emotion as she addressed journalists outside the courthouse.
Veira, who had faced a potential nine-year prison sentence with immediate incarceration as requested by the military prosecutor, expressed profound gratitude for the outcome. ‘God is great and worthy of all praise. He has not abandoned me,’ she stated, her voice trembling with emotion. The former security chief described the past five years as an exceptionally challenging period in her life.
‘I have journeyed through these five difficult years, and I am grateful that today has demonstrated to those who care about me – and even to those who hoped for a different outcome – that God is the ultimate judge,’ Veira declared. She expressed her belief that justice had been served through the court’s decision.
Veira specifically thanked the judges for what she characterized as their ‘insight and discernment’ in reaching the verdict. She also acknowledged her family and all those who had supported her throughout the lengthy legal process. The comprehensive acquittal covered all charges that had been brought against her by the military prosecution.
Concluding her remarks, Veira requested time for reflection and peace, repeating her initial statement: ‘God is great and worthy of all praise.’ The case has drawn significant public attention given Veira’s former high-ranking position in the nation’s security apparatus.