The Public Prosecution Service has arrested Ricardo Croes, leader of the RED Democrático party, in connection with alleged threats made online. The arrest follows strong public reactions to the prosecution’s sentencing request in the Caret case, in which two police officers fatally shot an unarmed 19-year-old in Madiki Kavel in February last year.
The case caused widespread public debate after it became known that the Public Prosecutor did not request a direct prison sentence for the two officers involved. A final ruling is expected in April, when the judge will decide whether to follow the prosecution’s recommendation.
Public reaction has been intense, both on radio programs and across social media. Many citizens expressed dissatisfaction with what some legal observers described as a “lenient” prosecution request toward the officers.
Ricardo Croes was among those who publicly criticized the prosecution’s decision. On his social media account, he compared the case to a 2023 incident at an SV La Fama football match, where a coach struck a referee with a plastic bottle, resulting in the referee losing an eye. At the time, the prosecutor demanded a six-year prison sentence for the coach.
Croes questioned why, in the current case involving the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old, the prosecution requested conditional sentences instead of direct imprisonment.
Following his statements, Croes reportedly posted additional strong and controversial remarks online. While some citizens argue that his comments fall under freedom of expression, authorities appear to be investigating whether certain statements crossed into criminal threats.
On Friday evening, Croes was seen leaving the Recherche office in Wayaca in handcuffs. Family members were present at the location. He had reportedly been summoned earlier that day and was detained upon arrival. Two other individuals have also been detained in connection with online statements about the case.
Croes was transported in a CEA police vehicle to a detention facility.
RED Party Calls Urgent Press Conference
In response, the RED Democrático party has called for an urgent press conference scheduled for Monday, March 2 at 9:00 a.m. at Plaza Alameda, located in front of the Courthouse in Playa.
According to party leadership, the sole topic of the press conference will be the arrest of Ricardo Croes and the party’s official position on the matter.
