Abrahams calls for release of Gefferie, Brondenstein and Dendoe

Abrahams criticised the lack of action by the party leadership on Monday in the programme Bakana Tori. “My comrades have been in Santo Boma for more than thirty months now, and this is not what we promised them,” Abrahams said. The three voluntarily reported in January 2024 to serve their sentences.

According to Abrahams, late former president and former NDP chairman Delano Bouterse had promised that the three would be free in the event of an election victory. He believes the party must now make efforts towards this. How, in his view, that release should be legally achieved was not clear from his statements.

Abrahams accused the party leadership of paying insufficient attention to the three detainees. He described them as founders of the revolution and stated that party members who now hold positions are making insufficient efforts on their behalf.

According to him, the issue is linked to the way Bouterse’s legacy is being dealt with within the NDP. “I am still working to preserve his legacy, because now his legacy is being treated rather lightly,” Abrahams said. He believes that some party members act as though they no longer know Bouterse. “It is as if people are celebrating Bouterse’s death.”

According to Abrahams, lawyer Irvin Kanhai submitted a request several weeks ago to secure the release of the three on health grounds. According to him, that request was not granted. Abrahams stressed that he will continue to work for their release.

The NDP vice-chairman also warned of dissatisfaction within the party. According to him, older, revolutionary NDP members are being sidelined and, since Bouterse’s death, there has been no unifying force. “There are different factions within the organisation and there is no binding force, because Bouterse is no longer there. We now lack his qualities.”