PARAMARIBO — The Public Prosecution Service has demanded a prison sentence of twelve months, of which four months are conditional with a probation period of two years, against lawyer Derrick Veira who is on trial for insulting a police officer in office and threatening a police officer at a police station. Confiscation of the firearm has also been requested.
The Public Prosecution Service considers the threat particularly serious because, according to the file, it took place within a police station, during which the suspect pulled out a firearm and cocked it. This created a threatening situation that endangered the safety of the police officer involved and other people present at the police station.
The Public Prosecution Service places a heavy burden on the suspect because, as a lawyer and former police officer, he is expected to serve the law and respect the authority of the rule of law. By insulting and threatening police officers in office, he has, according to the Public Prosecution Service, exceeded limits that not only affect the officials involved, but also undermine confidence in public authorities. The penalty requirement takes into account the seriousness of the offenses and the circumstances under which they were committed.
The defense counsel will present their arguments at the next hearing.
