WILLEMSTAD – PNP Member of Curaçao Parliament Sheldry Osepa has submitted a series of written questions to Minister of Justice Shalten Hato regarding the situation at the Justitiële Jeugdinrichting Curaçao (JJIC), as concerns continue to mount over conditions at the youth detention facility.
According to Osepa, structural problems have persisted within the institution for years, including staff shortages, high workloads, and safety concerns. He points to earlier reports from 2006 and 2015, which already identified many of these issues, raising questions about why they remain unresolved.
The parliamentarian is seeking clarification on the recent dismissal of the JJIC director, asking whether the decision was justified and who ultimately bears responsibility for the ongoing problems. He questions whether accountability lies solely with the facility’s management or also with the Minister of Justice.
Osepa’s inquiry also focuses on personnel policies, the implementation of recommendations from past reports, and compliance with regulations governing the detention and treatment of minors.
In addition, he raises concerns about a new prison law that, according to him, has yet to be published. He is requesting information on how this delay may affect young detainees and their prospects for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The PNP lawmaker is further calling for consideration of an independent investigation into the situation at the JJIC, amid growing scrutiny over conditions at the facility.
Minister Hato has not yet responded to the questions.