WILLEMSTAD – The trial against former parliamentarian and KEM leader Michelangelo ‘Lo’ Martines will not proceed on February 28 as initially planned. During the pro forma hearing, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) will request a temporary suspension of the investigation.
Martines will remain in custody for the time being. Since his arrest on November 5 last year, he has made several attempts to have his detention suspended, but the court has consistently denied these requests due to the seriousness of the charges. The investigation, known as ‘Bleda’, focuses on drug trafficking and money laundering.
In the coming months, the OM intends to conduct further investigations and possibly gather additional evidence. No witnesses or experts will be called during the hearing. Martines has already expressed his disagreement with the delays, demanding that his case be handled immediately.
It remains unclear when the trial will proceed. The judge is set to rule on February 28 regarding the OM’s request for suspension.