In seven years, the Public Prosecution Service has not found grounds to imprison two convicted individuals for bribing a minister. The case against former Minister Paul Croes is in its final phase after seven (7) years. Felipe “Chelito” Schwengle and Juan “Juancho” Feliciana were both accused but have never gone to jail to serve their sentences. Everyone else who receives a prison sentence must go to jail, and yet these two accused are still free.
Last Thursday, the last appeal case took place in the “asset confiscation” case within IBIS. This case began on March 28, 2017, with a judicial raid on Paul Croes’ house.
Meanwhile, Paul Croes is serving a three-year sentence, and these two individuals, both with sentences of two years and one year and six months respectively, are still enjoying their freedom. Why does the Public Prosecution Service’s Execution Officer not comply with the law and enforce the sentences for these two? Why are they protected so much?
In a statement in January, the Public Prosecution Service informed that the reason is because the prison is full. Between January and now, more than 100 detainees have been sent up, so why not these two?
The IBIS case is reaching its final stage, and on May 2nd, the final sentence will be handed down. This case has lasted exceptionally long. But in all seven years of the case, there has been no room for Chelito and Juancho to serve the sentences that judge Gruyters has dictated for them. We want to give the Public Prosecution Service the benefit of the doubt and ask the question again: Why have these accused individuals never been taken into custody? Especially because there is a politician involved from the opposition party, it is essential for the Public Prosecution Service to handle such delicate cases with the necessary caution to avoid any “impression” of interference or political involvement in our judicial system.
