The Foundation December 8, 1982 has issued a sharp rebuke against statements made during the recent NDP commemoration event marking the 80th birthday of Desi Bouterse. The organization labeled the remarks regarding the December 8 trial as ‘a gross violation of the rule of law’ and ‘a blatant insult to the families of the victims.’ The Foundation emphasized that the verdict against the convicted individuals was reached after a meticulous and independent legal process, upheld by the highest judicial authorities, and thus remains legally incontrovertible and binding. It criticized attempts to portray the trial as a political conspiracy, undermining the rule of law. The Foundation also condemned efforts to downplay the crimes of December 8, 1982, as a ‘political process’ or to elevate the convicted to the status of ‘comrades.’ It stressed that political leadership must never be used to justify serious human rights violations or trivialize the suffering of victims and their families. The Foundation rejected the notion of a pardon request as a means to achieve impunity, stating that clemency should not be manipulated for partisan political interests but reserved for humanitarian grounds, which are absent in this case. It urged the President of Suriname to resist political pressure from those seeking to exploit the highest office for party gains, warning that such actions would undermine the presidency’s authority both nationally and internationally. The Foundation reiterated that the rule of law is non-negotiable, and truth and justice for the victims are paramount.
标签： Suriname
苏里南
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Simons bij aanbieding geloofsbrieven: Suriname heeft iets te bieden aan de wereld
On Monday, four non-resident ambassadors presented their credentials to President Jennifer Simons at the Presidential Palace in Suriname. The envoys, representing Algeria, Guatemala, Ireland, and Sweden, engaged in individual discussions with the president, focusing on enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation. President Simons emphasized the importance of broadening collaboration in areas such as trade, climate, energy, and socio-cultural exchange. The newly appointed ambassadors include Farouk Benmokhtar (Algerie), Karla Samayoa (Guatemala), Martin Gallagher (Ireland), and Maria Velasco (Sweden). Discussions with Guatemala centered on regional economic and cultural cooperation, while talks with Ireland and Sweden highlighted climate change, sustainable development, and technological innovation. Simons underscored shared values such as respect for international law and commitment to climate action. The Irish and Swedish ambassadors commended Suriname for its role as a carbon-negative nation and its dedication to international collaboration. Energy and the oil industry were key topics in discussions with Algeria, with Simons expressing openness to knowledge exchange and partnerships. ‘Suriname seeks friends and partners worldwide,’ stated the president. ‘We are a small nation with much to offer—our biodiversity, culture, and commitment to peace. Dialogue and cooperation remain the foundation of our foreign policy.’
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Overwegend warm weer met kans op lokale buien
On Tuesday, October 14, Suriname experienced largely stable weather conditions, characterized by intermittent sunshine and localized showers, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours. The coastal plains remained predominantly warm and humid, with maximum temperatures ranging between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius. Early morning conditions were partly cloudy in many areas, but as the day progressed, cumulus clouds developed, leading to isolated rain or thunderstorms, especially in regions such as Paramaribo, Wanica, and Commewijne.
Inland districts and highland areas mirrored similar weather patterns, though the likelihood of precipitation was slightly higher. Areas around Brokopondo, Sipaliwini, and Tapanahony witnessed brief but occasionally intense showers in the late afternoon, sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms. Minimum temperatures in these regions fluctuated between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius.
Winds were light to moderate, blowing from the east to northeast at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometers per hour. Along the coast, wind speeds temporarily increased during showers.
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Hamas draagt 20 Israëlische krijgsgevangenen over aan Israël
In a significant development, Hamas has handed over the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages to the International Red Cross Committee on Monday, marking the end of their two-year captivity in Gaza. This transfer is part of a broader ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement brokered by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and other mediators. Under the terms of the deal, Israel agreed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including 250 individuals sentenced to death and over 1,700 detainees from Gaza. Simultaneously, the bodies of four deceased hostages were transferred to Israeli authorities through the Red Cross, with Hamas indicating its readiness to hand over more remains. The freed hostages underwent medical examinations before being reunited with their families, an event met with profound emotion and relief across Israel. This agreement represents a critical step in easing tensions between the two sides, though challenges remain in achieving long-term peace.
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Kanhai: Nog geen reactie op gratieverzoek 8 december veroordeelden
Irvin Kanhai, the prominent lawyer who has long represented Desi Bouterse in the December 8 trial, has confirmed that he submitted a pardon request for four individuals convicted in the case. However, he has yet to receive any response from the government. Kanhai asserts that the convictions were unjust. The individuals in question are Ernst Gefferie, Stephanus Dendoe, Benny Brondenstein—all currently serving their sentences in Santo Boma—and Iwan Dijksteel, who remains at large. Each was sentenced to 15 years in prison in December 2023.
Kanhai made these remarks during a National Democratic Party (NDP) commemoration event honoring what would have been Desi Bouterse’s 80th birthday. ‘Some time ago, I submitted a pardon request for these four individuals, whom I believe were wrongfully convicted and are our comrades,’ Kanhai stated. ‘We have heard nothing so far, but we remain determined.’
In his speech, Kanhai also addressed the strained relationship between Suriname and the Netherlands, advocating for transparency regarding historical events from the 1980s. ‘We also want a good relationship with the Netherlands. But when two friends have a dispute, and one cannot say, ‘Sorry, I hurt you,’ that friendship can never be restored. We hope the Netherlands will take that step.’
Ramon Abrahams, NDP’s deputy chairman and a former comrade of Bouterse, echoed Kanhai’s sentiments, reiterating that the party has always viewed the December 8 trial as politically motivated. He emphasized that the 2025 elections were intended to ‘free our comrades’ and reaffirmed the NDP’s unwavering stance on the matter.
Kanhai concluded his address with a personal message to Bouterse’s widow, Ingrid Bouterse-Waldring, and her family: ‘For me, I wish to close this chapter and, together with you, bring an end to the grieving process.’
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Column: Wanneer gaat bij EBS het licht echt aan?
Suriname’s Energybedrijven Suriname (EBS) is currently embroiled in a storm of governance issues, internal tensions, and a growing lack of trust. The situation escalated when the union clashed with the management following the dismissal of union chairman Marciano Hellings. Despite rulings from both the Labor Inspectorate and the Dismissal Commission favoring Hellings, the management refused to accept the decision, leading to a highly charged atmosphere within the company.
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Abrahams kijkt uit naar voorstel gratie veroordeelden 8 december 1982
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.
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Suriname presenteert groene ontwikkelingsstrategie op top in Rome
Suriname took center stage at the 12th bi-regional dialogue between Italy and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, held recently in Rome. The event, attended by over 35 nations, saw Suriname present its national vision for sustainable development and energy security. Leading the Surinamese delegation was Ambassador Miriam Mac Intosh, Director of Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation. In her address, Mac Intosh emphasized that energy security and safety are strategic priorities for the region. She stated, ‘Our primary objective must be to achieve this collectively,’ while also announcing that Suriname is finalizing its Third Nationally Determined Contribution. ‘This is not merely a document of goals but a declaration of our national identity—as a carbon-negative nation and a proponent of a just model for climate action.’ Suriname further introduced its Green Development Strategy as a national roadmap for a resilient, sustainable economy. The strategy integrates the utilization of new offshore energy resources with a swift transition to a carbon-free domestic economy, leveraging revenues from oil and gas to green the energy system. The participating countries also discussed cooperation in combating transnational organized crime, with Italy pledging to share its expertise in this area. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a 21-point Declaration, reaffirming the nations’ mutual friendship, collaboration, and shared commitment to sustainable development.
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Houten woning gaat in vlammen op te Balingsula
A devastating fire engulfed a small wooden house in the vicinity of Balingsula, located in the Brokopondo district, on Sunday. The Brokopondo police were alerted to the incident and promptly arrived at the scene for investigation. Upon arrival, they discovered that the single-story wooden residence, along with all its contents, had been completely consumed by flames. Fortunately, the occupants were not present at the time of the fire, as confirmed by the police Public Relations team. The house, which was connected to the local electricity grid, was not insured against fire damage. The Brownsweg fire department, upon reaching the site, could only perform post-fire containment operations. No personal injuries were reported in the incident. The Forensic Investigation Department has since visited the property to determine the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this time.
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3-jarig jongetje verdrinkt tijdens badmoment in Kajapatie
A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Sunday evening in the village of Kajapatie, where three-year-old Morjello Vaniel tragically drowned. The Atjoni police station received a report of the incident around 10:05 PM. Initial investigations revealed that the young boy had been bathing in a river near the village earlier that evening, around 6:00 PM, under the supervision of his aunt. At some point, Morjello went missing from sight. Despite immediate search efforts, only his underwear was initially found. The search resumed on Monday morning, leading to the recovery of the toddler’s lifeless body. Following consultation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the remains were handed over to the grieving family.