Analysis by Dan Riehl
More confusion as regards the on going investigation in the Natalee Holloway disappearance would be nothing new. Now, with headlines blaring that the three suspects still in detention have been charged with murder; it might be best to wait and see what type of clarifying statements may follow.
Weeks ago, as reported here, murder was suggested as a potential charge against the suspects in this confounding case. To be more clear, "murder, manslaughter or intentional containment with the dead as consequence."
As America has already learned, significant differences accross systems of justice and language translation has already caused tremendous confusion in this investigation.
What is know is that politics are as much a part of this now as anything else and the boys are heading to court on Monday so a judge can rule on the legality of their being detained for another sixty days while the investigation continues.
Were the three boys to simply walk away on Monday as a result of a lack of evidence, it would be a public relations nightmare for Aruba. Headlines blaring "Suspects Charged With Murder" the weekend preceding that hearing might do more to ensure their continued detention than any evidence the prosecution is prepared to present at this time.
While I too would like some clarification of Dutch statues relevant to this matter, it's my present understanding that no one can be formally charged with murder unless and until the prosecution presents its case in open court. As of now, and perhaps not until Monday afternoon, if then, that has not happened.
Hopefully this information will be clarified by authorities, or educated on lookers in the meantime.
Update: According to all known previous reports, this case was stalled and possibly lacking in significant evidence. Word on the ground from multiple sources was that the possibility existed that the three suspects could actually be released on Monday. Given what was known only hours ago, a confession, or one or more of the suspects being willing to testify against another, or others, looked like it might be the only hope for prosecutors. We also know that a certain amount of psychological gamesmanship has already been applied in this case through the brief detention of Joran's Father, Paul(us) v d Sloot. What better way to try and get one or more of three boys talking than to have murder charges in the headlines just two days before they go back to court.
Dan Riehl blogs at Riehl World View.
Yo, Dan Riehl, I'll wait for Greta's report tonight.....thankyouverymuch.