This morning, the Court of Justice handled the criminal case initiated by the Public Prosecutor against Chania Chante Fernandes Pedra (24). Fernandes Pedra is accused of fatally striking Josely Paulina Vasquez Gonzalez (65) and Carlos David Vialez Valerio (54) with a Jeep and fleeing the scene.
The judge denied Fernandes Pedra’s request for release. Furthermore, the judge called out Moszkowicz, stating that he is not a lawyer (in this jurisdiction) and therefore cannot wear court robes. Moszkowicz was forced to remove his robes in the courtroom. The case was postponed until August 2026.
COURT SECURITY
Members of the CEA were very vigilant regarding the victims’ families and the accused’s family. The victims’ relatives sat in the lower section, while the accused’s family sat in the upper section.
JUDGE STOPS DUTCH ATTORNEY
It was a surprise when Dutch attorney Moszkowicz appeared in court. CEA members stopped the lawyer, who was wearing robes and intended to represent Fernandes Pedra. He appeared in the courtroom with his robes open, which is considered disrespectful. According to protocol, judges, prosecutors, and lawyers must wear robes fully buttoned with a white tie. Moszkowicz entered with his robes open and without the white tie.
The judge stated he recognized Moszkowicz from the Netherlands. The Prosecutor immediately reacted, telling the judge that Moszkowicz has no right to wear robes and is creating confusion for the press and others by appearing to be Fernandes Pedra’s attorney when he is not. The judge asked Moszkowicz why he was wearing robes. Moszkowicz said he was not there as an attorney, but that he is the attorney for Fernandes Pedra. The judge stated that in that case, he could not wear them. Moszkowicz immediately removed his robes.
SUSPECT REMAINS WITHOUT COUNSEL
The judge noted that during a pro forma hearing on April 10, 2026, attorneys Illes and Emerencia represented the suspect, and a psychological report was ordered. Since then, other attorneys (Boyce) were involved, but all eventually withdrew. On June 22, 2026, the Court decided that Moszkowicz is not permitted to act as Fernandes Pedra’s attorney, ruling that the case does not require such specialized expertise as to warrant an exception.
SUSPECT REMAINS INCARCERATED
Fernandes Pedra read a letter to the judge expressing her trust in Moszkowicz and asking for her release to prepare for the case. The Prosecutor strongly opposed this, citing the gravity of the accusations (carrying a potential 8-year sentence) and the public shock. The judge agreed, noting that the charges are very serious and that, given the community’s reaction, there are no grounds for release. Fernandes Pedra will remain detained at KIA until the trial on October 2, 2026. The next evaluation hearing is August 20, 2026, by which date the judge emphasized she must have an attorney who is registered in Aruba.