Attorney mr. A. Kock argued before the Court of Appeal that his client, Izak Principaal, has been detained in KIA for four years without receiving any form of treatment. The Court also drew Kock’s attention to the way he questioned the Attorney General, which was deemed inappropriate.
Four years without treatment
Mr. Kock said he was shocked by the claims made by the Attorney General (PG). He told the Court that all crimes involving Principaal were committed together with Zuriel Celaire. According to him, Principaal was driving the car while Celaire was the one who opened fire on people in front of a bar in San Nicolas.
The lawyer asked where Celaire is now, as he believes Celaire had a strong influence on Principaal. He also stated that it was Celaire who brought the firearm to the house where Shayuri was shot. In Kock’s view, the fatal shot was the result of an accidental discharge.
He emphasized that Celaire received only mandatory treatment, while Principaal remains detained in KIA. Due to media attention, the public reportedly formed the impression that Principaal is a murderer, even though Shayuri was like a brother to him, meaning he had no motive.
Unequal treatment
According to Kock, the different treatment of Principaal compared to Celaire violates the principle of fair and equal justice. He pointed out that Principaal himself stated he has been detained for four years without treatment and without clarity about his case.
When Kock asked the PG whether he intends for Principaal to remain in detention, the Court reminded him that it had already concluded that Principaal fired intentionally, not by accident.
Adult punishment is inappropriate
Kock noted that Principaal was previously sentenced under juvenile law, yet now suddenly an adult sentence is being considered. According to him:
• It is normal that a young defendant grows older,
• But it is not correct to switch to adult sentencing midway through the case.
He also stated that, fearing media criticism, the judge in the first instance sentenced Principaal to nine years in prison, and now the PG is demanding an even harsher sentence.
Request for mandatory treatment (TBS)
Mr. Kock asked the Court to impose a mandatory clinical treatment order (similar to TBS), as recommended in the Respaldo report. With this measure, Principaal would be released from KIA and instead placed under treatment and supervision by Respaldo and the Probation Service. If a place becomes available in the Netherlands, Principaal would be sent there for treatment.
Judgment on December 17
The Court deliberated briefly and then decided that the hearing would be closed on Thursday, with the verdict scheduled for December 17 at 1:45 PM.
Lawyer questions violation of fair treatment principles for suspect Principaal
