The Public Prosecution Service has formally filed an appeal against the full acquittal of Danielle Veira, former head of the Directorate of National Security (DNV), by the Court of Martial Appeals. This move signals the prosecution’s refusal to accept the court’s finding that insufficient evidence existed to prove Veira’s involvement in the April 16, 2020 hostage operation targeting Rodney Cairo.
Presiding Judge Cynthia Valstein-Montnor emphasized during Friday’s ruling that the central consideration was whether the operation genuinely constituted an official DNV action. The court determined that only one convicted co-suspect, Imro Miedema, had testified about Veira’s potential involvement when police requested explanations, while other objective evidence confirming her role as instigator remained absent.
The court also dismissed allegations regarding Veira’s unauthorized distribution of weapons and firearm permits, noting that providing arms to informants and civilians had been an established practice within DNV—sometimes even under presidential instruction. The judiciary deemed it unreasonable to hold Veira solely criminally responsible for what constituted an institutionalized organizational practice.
Following her emotional release, Veira expressed profound gratitude outside the courthouse, repeatedly referencing her religious faith. She described enduring five arduous years and affirmed her belief in divine justice, while also thanking the judges for their discernment and her family for their unwavering support.
The case remains unresolved as it proceeds to appellate review, where the higher court will reexamine both factual evidence and legal assessments. The prosecution had initially sought a nine-year prison term with immediate custody.