WILLEMSTAD – The Public Prosecution Service has requested a five-year prison sentence on appeal for Alexander C., who is suspected of involvement in the violent robbery of an Australian tourist near Mambo Beach on January 13, 2024.
The case attracted widespread attention after video footage circulated on social media showing the woman being dragged by a moving car as her bag was pulled away during the robbery.
Alexander C. was previously convicted in the first instance together with two other suspects. However, he appealed the verdict, continuing to deny any involvement in the incident. According to prosecutors, he was the person who stepped out of the vehicle and grabbed the tourist’s bag.
The driver of the car, Cleveron, who was earlier sentenced to 20 months in prison in the same case, told investigators that five men were inside the vehicle. According to his statement, another man, Andresalexis, came up with the plan to rob the tourist and instructed Alexander to get out of the car and take the bag.
When the victim refused to let go of her bag, she was dragged along the road for a short distance as the vehicle drove away.
Cleveron later identified Alexander during a photo lineup as the person who took the bag. Alexander denies the accusation and claims he does not even know Cleveron.
During the hearing, Alexander’s attorney, Mr. Zahedi, argued that the description of the suspect does not match his client. According to the driver’s description, the robber had a light complexion and fine hair, while the defendant has darker skin and curly hair. The defense also claims there is no proof that Alexander was inside the vehicle and says he was at his brother’s home in Suffisant at the time of the robbery.
The Public Prosecution Service stressed in court that the incident caused serious harm not only to the victim, who reportedly remains traumatized, but also to Curaçao’s international reputation as a tourist destination.
The Court of Justice is expected to deliver its verdict in about three weeks.