Suriname Public Prosecution Service reports high workload and case delays

Acting Prosecutor General Astrid Niamat has presented an overview of the Surinamese Public Prosecution Service (OM) for the 2026–2027 judicial year, highlighting significant workloads and systemic challenges. Through August, the OM received 3,470 criminal files from police and detained 5,249 suspects, of whom 2,939 were placed in custody.

Despite the processing of 16,983 criminal and traffic cases, concerns persist regarding the progress of high-profile investigations, such as the Grassalco gold disappearance and the mercury case. Additionally, there is public scrutiny over delays in legal proceedings against three former ministers, who were authorized for indictment by the National Assembly in June, though no clear timeline for their court appearances has been established.