PHILIPSBURG--Suspended Member of Parliament (MP) Theo Heyliger was acquitted of all charges in the Catfish investigation by the Court of First Instance on Thursday. Heyliger was facing twelve months in prison, six of which were to be suspended, and a five-year suspension of his passive voting rights.
During the trial on October 23, the Prosecutor considered it proven that both Heyliger (49) and co-suspect J.M.S. (71) attempted to bribe former MP Romain Laville with money and a ministerial post to “jump ship”. At the hearing, the Prosecutor did not consider it proven that Laville was also offered a parcel of land.
S., who was Laville’s political advisor and mentor, was facing a demand of 120 hours of community service, 60 of which were to be suspended, and a five-year suspension of his passive voting rights. He was also acquitted of all the charges in this case.
In its verdict, the Court said there was not enough evident to substantiate the charges. It also said that the offer of a ministerial post is a normal part of the political system and did not constitute a bribe.
