In Oranjestad, the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) has requested that the Common Court of Justice (Hof) confirm the sentence previously imposed on former parliamentarian Alan Howell in the “Diamante” penal case. During the appeal proceedings, the prosecution maintained that there was no reason to modify the punishment handed down by the Court of First Instance.
Howell was originally convicted of two years of imprisonment, with six months suspended, and a fine of 35,000 florins. Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of 15,000 florins found in his possession. The first-instance court ruled that Howell, in his capacity as president of a foundation managing political funds for POR, had embezzled more than 195,000 florins. The funds were diverted using false invoices and transactions linked to non-existent companies.
The defense, led by lawyer Mr. Herrera, contested the criminal investigation, alleging irregularities and asking for the OM to be declared inadmissible. However, the Hof had already rejected requests for additional witnesses and documentation, concluding that there was no necessity for further investigation. The case has drawn significant attention, as Howell is also a police officer with over 18 years of service. While the criminal conviction initially triggered administrative action, the Administrative Court later ruled that his retirement as a police officer was not properly motivated since the offenses occurred in his political role.
