(De Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Former army commander Desi Bouterse probably had lost control over the army command on 8 December 1982, which resulted in the killings of 15 prisoners in Fort Zeelandia. He managed though to save one potential 16th victim from a certain death namely union leader Fred Derby. This is what former Minister of Justice and Police, Ivan Graanoogst, suggested to the Court Martial yesterday. He was heard as witness à decharge at the continuation of the December Trial at Boxel. Graanoogst is currently secretary-general at the Office of President Bouterse, the main suspect in the December Killings.
Meanwhile, Graanoogst has his doubts about whether the truth about the December Killings will emerge during the current criminal trial. Many who should also be questioned because they possibly have important information are not heard according to him. Yesterday, Graanoogst told journalists at Boxel that he is under the impression that the December Trial is a “one-sided affair”.
