WILLEMSTAD – The case against former Member of Parliament Michelangelo ‘Low’ Martines will be handled pro forma on February 28. However, Martines strongly opposes this decision and is demanding an immediate substantive trial, as he stated on his Facebook page.
According to Martines, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) has already conducted two years of investigation, and he has been detained for over three months. He argues that there has been sufficient time to bring the case before the court and formulate formal charges. If the prosecution insists on a preliminary hearing, Martines believes he should be released until the full trial begins.
The former politician has tried three times to secure his release, but each request has been denied. Last week, his detention was extended for another 30 days. Martines is suspected of drug trafficking and money laundering in connection with the criminal investigation ‘BLEDA’, with allegations linked to the years 2019, 2020, and 2023.
The Public Prosecution Service has not yet responded to Martines' demand for a direct trial. It remains unclear whether the court will address his request on February 28 or if the case will proceed at a later date.
Generally, a case can only be substantively reviewed once all necessary legal procedures and documents are ready. The judge will ultimately decide whether the case can proceed immediately or if an additional session is required for further preparations and investigations.