Prosecution seeks tougher sentence in New York case

ORANJESTAD — The Public Prosecutor's Office is seeking a tougher unconditional prison sentence against defendant N.M.Q.C.d.A. in the corruption and breach of professional secrecy case known as New York.

During the October 26 appeal hearing, the defendant accepted the trial court's findings of guilt but challenged the sentence of 18 months in prison, including 12 months suspended. The original sentence therefore involved six months of actual imprisonment.

Prosecutors argue that the defendant committed the offenses while still on probation following a previous conviction for similar conduct, justifying a harsher custodial sentence.

Five people, including a police officer and journalists, were convicted of offenses involving corruption and the unlawful disclosure of confidential information between 2021 and 2023. Four convictions have now become final.

The prosecution emphasized that press freedom does not provide immunity from criminal law. The court found no exceptional circumstances justifying the unlawful conduct.

The Court of Appeal will deliver its ruling on November 17, 2026.