Several persons involved in the Dutch side’s judicial process undoubtedly breathed a sigh of relief over Tuesday’s news that local lawyers were ending their pro-bono strike. They had refused to represent, on behalf of the state, defendants who can’t afford to hire legal assistance of their own since May 18, for not getting paid from January.
One aspect of the problem concerned promises to increase the relevant allowance supposedly made near the end of the former NA-led cabinet. The next UP-led government said no proper and valid decision to formalise such an agreement had ever been taken.
The attorneys finally decided to stop their action “in the general interest” after reportedly receiving the majority of, but not all, monies due to them. They had earlier offered to accept an advance of 75 per cent.
It’s not exactly clear whether ultimately the old existing tariff was still applied or if the pay-out covers a shorter period than the total six months owed. But at least for now the crisis appears to be over and the situation should normalise.
The latter is more important than many may realise. Suspects remained on the street longer than normal because their trials got delayed, and in certain cases judges even set detainees free because it was all taking too long.
Hopefully a definite solution can be reached soon so the debt won’t be allowed to accumulate again, with all possible consequences. Regardless of how you choose to look at it, in a civilised country everyone accused of crimes has the right to an adequate professional defence in court.
St. Maarten is no banana republic.
