WILLEMSTAD – The trial against Michelangelo “Lo” Martines, political leader of the KEM party and former Member of Parliament, will proceed to substantive hearings on Thursday, August 21. The case is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. 

The Public Prosecutor’s Office has filed five charges against Martines, including his alleged involvement in multiple drug trafficking operations in 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2024, as well as the laundering of large sums of money. Authorities claim that Martines was engaged in drug transport activities during his time as a sitting Member of Parliament. 

The prosecution says it has gathered extensive evidence to support the charges. Martines was arrested in November 2024 and resigned from his parliamentary seat a few weeks later following his detention. 

Defense attorneys Eldon Sulvaran and Anthony Vaders will represent Martines when the case is heard this week.