WILLEMSTAD - Michelangelo ‘Lo’ Martines, leader of the KEM party, will remain in custody after a judge approved the Public Prosecutor's request for an extension of his detention on Friday morning.
Martines, who was arrested on November 4, is under investigation for involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. The prosecutor's office confirmed that Martines' request to suspend his detention was denied. His detention has already been extended by 48 hours and eight days, respectively.
The extension of Martines' custody, according to the judge, is linked to the serious nature of the crimes he is suspected of committing, which could have a destabilizing effect on society, particularly due to the involvement of drug trafficking. The judge also considered Martines’ past conviction in the decision.
While the legal proceedings continue, it remains unclear what the full implications of the detention extension will be. Earlier this week, reports emerged suggesting that Martines had decided to step down from his parliamentary seat. The House of Parliament has since received an official letter from Martines confirming his resignation from his seat.