Church leader Orlando Balentien takes his case to the Supreme Court

WILLEMSTAD - Orlando Balentien goes to the Supreme Court in cassation. The self-proclaimed pastor of the Rains of Blessings Church was convicted again last week in the appeal for the sexual abuse of seven of his churchgoers.

Attorney Harlequin had indicated to go into cassation shortly after the case had been dealt with if her client was to be convicted. Only lack of funds would stop this, she said.

It is not yet clear on what grounds the defense of the pastor goes in cassation.

Balentien was sentenced on appeal to fourteen years in prison on 18 October for the sexual abuse of three teenage girls and four young women. The 54-year-old B. is not allowed to exercise the function of church leader for nineteen years. The Public Prosecutor had demanded against him twelve years on appeal. The court had, "given the nature of the facts", decided to give the self-proclaimed apostle a higher punishment.

Photo: Balentien’s attorneys (credit: Persbureau)