In a tense session of Suriname’s National Assembly on Thursday, Assembly Member and former President Chan Santokhi (VHP) vehemently denied allegations that he had issued directives to the Prosecutor General during his presidential term. The confrontation emerged during debates on judicial reform, with opposition members maintaining their accusations despite Santokhi’s forceful rebuttal.
Santokhi characterized claims of his interference as a “gross falsehood,” explicitly stating he never exercised constitutional provisions allowing presidential instructions to the Prosecutor General in matters of national security. “I can produce documents demonstrating that other presidents did issue commands. I did not,” Santokhi asserted, drawing a clear distinction between his approach and that of previous administrations.
The former president addressed specific references to his past statements about “giving orders” to the Prosecutor General, clarifying that during critical security situations—such as the February 17, 2023 disturbances—he had merely requested investigations rather than issuing commands. “That is not an order. That is a request any citizen can make,” Santokhi explained, emphasizing the procedural difference.
The debate referenced November 2024 remarks by Prosecutor General Garcia Paragsingh, who had previously emphasized that the president cannot direct the Public Prosecutor’s Office in individual criminal cases. Paragsingh had noted that while political discussions might include claims of instructions, these do not reflect the official stance of the judicial system. She highlighted how repeated uncorrected statements about “giving orders” could potentially damage the perception and independence of the prosecution apparatus.
Regarding judicial reform, Santokhi reiterated his opposition to appointing multiple prosecutors-general, advocating instead for comprehensive systemic overhaul rather than piecemeal legislative changes. He warned that current proposed laws fail to address structural challenges including workload pressure, capacity constraints, specialization needs, decentralization requirements, administrative justice, and preparation for oil and gas sector developments.
Santokhi emphasized that meaningful judicial strengthening requires eliminating political influence and genuinely enhancing independence. “Discussions about three or four prosecutors-general do not solve the fundamental problems of the rule of law,” he concluded.
The session concluded with procedural controversies as VHP members applauded Santokhi’s speech—against assembly rules—and most of the VHP faction demonstratively walked out when PL faction leader Bronto Somohardjo began speaking. Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin closed Thursday evening’s session, with deliberations scheduled to resume Friday morning.