Last week, the Public Prosecution Service had to send home two suspects as a consequence of overcrowding in the prison Point Blanche in Sint Maarten. The prison is currently rebuilt (from wing to wing) and 30 detention places are less available. The suspects who were send home are D.R. (suspect of fire arm possession) and M.H.K. (suspect of human smuggling).
At the request of the Public Prosecution Service, the Minister of Justice send three prisoners home as well, in order to create space in the prison. It involves three prisoners who nearly completed their punishments.
In addition as a result of the lack of detention space, the Public Prosecution Service chose not to take in to pre-trial detention two suspects of money laundering.
An urgent meeting took place between the Head Prosecutor, the Police Chief and the Prison Manager. They agree this is a highly undesirable situation and a solution must be found soon. An advice on this matter will be presented to the Minister of Justice.