Richano Santokhi, Son of Suriname’s President, Faces Complaint and Suspension

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC—The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has filed a complaint against Richano Santokhi, son of President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi, following remarks he made during an interview with a radio station in the Netherlands.

Santokhi Suspended from Consulate General Position

The OM’s spokesman, Joëlle Zaalman, confirmed that the complaint had been made against Santokhi, who was “immediately suspended” from his position at the Surinamese Consulate General in Miami last month.

Background and Controversy

Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation Minister Albert Ramdin had said then that Santokhi received a letter from the ministry informing him that he did not have permission to do the interview with Radio Awaaz that had been announced earlier.

“He has received that warning. He has received the information that he is not allowed to give such an interview because he did not follow the procedure, Ramdin said, adding that an Embassy official was told that if he continued with the interview without the express permission of his direct superior, the consul general in Miami, he would be acting in violation of the Personnel Act.

He would also violate the code of conduct he signed upon his appointment in Miami. Santokhi is a civil servant at the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

New Information and Controversy

In the interview with Radio Awaaz, Santokhi stated that he no longer works at the consulate and is no longer employed by the government but is an employee of a private company in New York.

Ramdin said Santokhi’s statements regarding the head of state are “absolutely unacceptable, and besides the truth, not part of the local media as saying that he will be meeting with President Santokhi on Tuesday and then a decision will be made.”

Conclusion

The suspension of Richano Santokhi and the filing of a complaint against him have sparked controversy and raised questions about the role of the President’s son in Surinamese politics. The situation remains under investigation and it is unclear what the outcome will be.

FAQs

Q: What is the nature of the complaint filed against Richano Santokhi?
A: The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has filed a complaint against Santokhi for his remarks during an interview with a radio station in the Netherlands.

Q: What was the reason for Santokhi’s suspension?
A: Santokhi was suspended from his position at the Surinamese Consulate General in Miami due to his unauthorized interview with Radio Awaaz.

Q: What are the implications of Santokhi’s statements regarding the head of state?
A: Minister Albert Ramdin has described Santokhi’s statements as “absolutely unacceptable” and said that they are not part of the local media.