During a commemorative gathering of the National Democratic Party (NDP) on Monday evening, marking what would have been the 80th birthday of the late Desi Bouterse, Ramon Abrahams, the party’s vice-chairman and a former comrade of Bouterse, reflected on his legacy and the ongoing controversy surrounding the December 8 murders. Abrahams reiterated the NDP’s long-standing stance that the December 8 trial was politically motivated. ‘We, the NDP, have always maintained that the December 8 trial was and remains a political process. Remember that,’ Abrahams declared, echoing previous statements by the deceased party leader. He emphasized the party’s commitment to winning the 2025 elections to secure pardons for those convicted in the case. ‘I have personally stated on stage and in the media that we must win the 2025 elections to free our comrades,’ he added. Abrahams also posed a poignant question to the audience: ‘What if he were still alive? Would he still be in the jungle? Personally, I believe he would be standing beside Inke on July 16,’ referring to Bouterse’s widow. The NDP vice-chairman expressed concern for the current situation of the convicts serving their sentences in Santo Boma prison. ‘What is happening to our comrades in Boma and Mr. Dijksteel? Attorney Kanhai has submitted a request for clemency. All I can say is that he is doing his best,’ Abrahams noted. The event was attended by party chairwoman and President Jennifer Simons, party members, supporters, and guests who gathered to honor the legacy of the late former president.