Criminal Procedure Code at Bonaire (Netherlands)
Bonaire, as part of the Caribbean Netherlands under the Kingdom of the Netherlands, does not have a separate criminal procedure code. Instead, it applies the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure (Wetboek van Strafvordering), which governs criminal proceedings throughout the Netherlands, including its Caribbean territories.
Key Features of the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure in Bonaire
Investigation and Prosecution: The Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie) oversees criminal investigations and prosecutions. Police officers, acting under the authority of the public prosecutor, conduct criminal investigations. A prosecutor or senior police officer must order any arrests. Authorities must promptly inform detainees of the charges against them. Police may question suspects for a maximum of 12 hours and detain them for up to three days, with the possibility of an additional three-day extension in cases of "urgent necessity," by order of the public prosecutor without the permission of a magistrate . (2010 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - Netherlands | Refworld)
Trial Procedures: The law provides for the right to a fair trial, and an independent judiciary generally enforced this right. Trials are public, and juries are not used . (2010 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - Netherlands | Refworld)
International Cooperation: The Netherlands Antilles, including Bonaire, is a party to various international treaties and conventions related to criminal justice, such as the Vienna Convention and the Strasbourg Convention, which facilitate international cooperation in criminal matters . (Kingdom of the Netherlands—Netherlands Antilles in: IMF Staff Country Reports Volume 2004 Issue 272 (2004))
Accessing the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure
The Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure is available in Dutch and can be accessed through the official Dutch government website:
Wetboek van Strafvordering (Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure)
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