The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has clarified why the Prosecutor General (PG) decided, for the time being, not to act on a request for information. According to the OM, this decision took into account, among other things, the ongoing criminal investigation into the requester, former Minister of Home Affairs Bronto Somohardjo. The OM is now preparing an application to initiate a judicial preliminary investigation.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the OM responded to recent reporting and public debate concerning the request for information submitted to the Prosecutor General. The PG assessed the request and informed the requester in writing on October 28 that it would not be acted upon at that time.
According to the OM, the ongoing criminal investigation into the requester played a role in this decision. The former Minister of Home Affairs was indicted by De Nationale Assemblée (DNA, Suriname’s parliament) on June 4, 2026. This took place on the basis of an application by the Prosecutor General, in accordance with the Wet In Staat van Beschuldigingstelling en Vervolging Politieke Ambtsdragers (WIPA).
Investigation into financial irregularities
The criminal investigation focuses on suspected financial irregularities at the Ministry of Home Affairs during the former minister’s term in office. The investigation is based, among other things, on findings from a report by the Centrale Landsaccountantsdienst (CLAD).
The OM states that a draft application to initiate a judicial preliminary investigation (GVO) has now been drawn up. It is currently being further elaborated and, according to the OM, will soon be submitted to the investigating judge.
A judicial preliminary investigation provides the opportunity to conduct further criminal investigations under the supervision of an investigating judge.
Right to information has limits
The OM stresses the importance of transparency, public accountability and the oversight role of De Nationale Assemblée. At the same time, the prosecutorial body states that the right to request information does not automatically mean that all requested data must be provided.
According to the OM, the assessment of a request for information must take into account the nature and availability of the information, the circumstances under which the request is made and the applicable legal provisions.
The OM underlines that the Prosecutor General’s decision relates exclusively to the request in question. According to the body, this does not constitute a general refusal to disclose information about prosecution policy.
The prosecutorial body points out that it provides information on its activities and the handling of criminal cases, including through its annual reports.
Finally, the OM stresses that it carries out its statutory duties independently, impartially and carefully. The body considers it important that public debate about its functioning takes place on the basis of accurate and complete information.
