Happy Monday!

This week we cover the backlash for the Minister of Interior’s attack on the media and a broader concern for the freedom of expression; the passing of a vital law for terrorism and money laundering prevention and the introduction of a new bill for the new electoral reform in the country.

Backlash for Bronto Somohardjo’s attack on the media.

• Last week, we cover the Minister of the Interior’s attack on the media during the Minister’s comments in relation to the commemoration of 133 years of Javanese immigration to Suriname.

• Suriname has long enjoyed a reputation for a free press. In 2021, according to RSF's World Press Freedom Index, Suriname was ranked 19th in the world. In 2022, however, this increased to 52nd in the world, and in 2023, it decreased to 48th in the world.

• This week was full of backlash for the Minister.

• He was summoned by President Santokhi to his cabinet who expressed strong disapproval of the Minister's statements and advised him to apologize to Radio 10 and De Ware Tijd (the media outlets attacked by the Minister)as his actions contradict principles of free speech and press freedom.

• The government then emphasized the importance of protecting an inclusive environment where diverse opinions can be expressed with respect.

• The political party DOE also expressed disapproval of the statements made by the Minister. They expressed that these actions undermine democracy and the rule of law, and invoke memories of past government overthrows and conflicts.

• The party has stated that recently there has been imprisonment of government critics, attacks on the judiciary, and assaults on freedom of expression and called on the government to uphold the rule of law while ensuring stability to address the challenges faced by the country.

• The Minister ended up apologising stating that he understood that he could have expressed dissatisfaction with the reporting in another way and extended sincere apologies to the entire society, especially the media.

• He reiterated his intention of not limiting press freedom and manipulating it for personal gain.

• Suriname has also been faced with inflammatory statements by Vice President Brunswijk who recently stated that nothing would stop him on his path to the presidency of the country.

• The country which has long been ranked highly on the press freedom index for journalists has seen that score decrease in recent years and is hopeful that they can reverse this trend which saw a sharp turn in 2022.

Suriname has passed an important law for terrorism and money laundering prevention.

• Despite Minister of Justice and Police Kenneth Amoksi's unsatisfactory responses, the Law on the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing was passed with 35 votes in favor.

• Some members of the faction left during the voting due to dissatisfaction. Minister Amoksi disclosed that the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force's assessment of Suriname's potential blacklisting won't occur until February next year, contrary to public expectations.

• The business community had urged the National Assembly to postpone the recess and address necessary laws to prevent blacklisting on the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force. The passed law is one of these essential pieces of legislation, included in the Penal Code.

• The government and parliament are discussing priority laws, including those related to money laundering, terrorism financing, and international sanctions. President Chan Santokhi leads anti-money laundering efforts, and a second National Risk Analysis will be conducted by Kroll.

• Some Assembly members were dissatisfied with Amoksi's responses. With a lot of questions going unanswered, reflecting a recurring trend. The law was eventually passed but with mixed sentiments.

Progress in Electoral Regulation changes among top political parties.

• In recent breaking news, the political factions of VHP, NDP, ABOP/PL, NPS, and BEP are set to introduce a new initiative bill today for amending the Electoral Regulation in the National Assembly.

• The district system will end, meaning that every vote across the entire country will hold equal weight.

• There have been six legislative drafts proposed for the amendment of the Electoral Regulation in the parliament. The NDP, with support from other parties, have submitted initiative bills. The government, in turn, has introduced three draft laws as well.

• The Constitutional Court, over a year ago stated that the seat distribution and district boundaries were inconsistent with the Constitution and international treaties. In the upcoming elections, political parties will have to conduct broader nationwide campaigns to win the favor of the voters.

President Santokhi Swears in a new Attorney General amid division.

• President Chan Santokhi highlighted the careful and legally compliant process followed in the swearing-in of Attorney General Garcia Paragsingh. The tradition of considering candidates from the Public Prosecution Service was maintained, ensuring candidates align with legal and constitutional provisions.

• Santokhi emphasized the crucial role of advice from the Judiciary in the process, with the final appointment formalized through a government decision. This approach prevents political motivations from driving appointments.

• Paragsingh's extensive experience was acknowledged, instilling confidence in her ability to serve independently and professionally. As head of the prosecution apparatus, she will guide a strong prosecution policy to combat various crimes, including transnational ones.

• Efforts to strengthen the judiciary have been undertaken since the government took office, with acting deputy prosecutors sworn in and progress toward the judiciary's financial autonomy. The judiciary's budget execution has been defined through a resolution, and work on personnel autonomy is ongoing.

• Santokhi reiterated the judiciary's importance in upholding the rule of law and vowed to protect it alongside his cabinet ministers. He anticipated good collaboration between the Attorney General and the government, ensuring state interests are adequately represented. Santokhi also highlighted Paragsingh's role in firearm policy and called for transparency and citizen protection.

• Overall, the swearing-in of Paragsingh serves to reinforce the rule of law and is seen as a significant step in this direction.

• This swearing-in came after some pushback from VP Brunswijk after there were concerns about the repealing of the controversial Amnestiewet by the VP.