PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – The Surinamese government has strongly condemned the gun attack at the home of Health Minister Amar Ramadhin, describing the incident as a severe attack on law and governance in the country.
In a statement, the government said that instructions have been issued to the security services to immediately step up security measures so that any form of threat can be addressed effectively.
It said it regards the matter as a targeted attack on the administration and, in particular, the Minister of Health, whose house came under gunfire during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Police said they have been provided with a description of the gunman by a guard at the Minister’s residence at Emielaan, located in the capital, Paramaribo.
The authorities said that they had recovered nine shell casings at the home and that the gunman, who was wearing a white T-shirt and black pants, fled the scene on a bicycle.
The cabinet discussed the attack during its weekly meeting and was also briefed by the director of the National Security Directorate.
The government said it is coordinating with the Office of the Attorney General and that a special team has been charged with conducting the investigation.
In addition to increasing the security of cabinet members, security measures towards society have also been significantly increased. The government has called on society to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities as the investigation proceeds.
Meanwhile, the VHP party, of which Ramadhin is a member, has also issued a statement strongly condemning the attack.
“The VHP condemns the shooting in the strongest terms. The VHP characterizes this incident as a cowardly act. The shooting undermines the foundations of the rule of law and democracy.”
According to the VHP, terror and intimidation will not be tolerated because “this type of shooting does not fit in with our democratic system at all.”
The VHP said that the incident is not only an attack on the rule of law and democracy but also on freedom of life.
“If this shooting incident is aimed at the Minister or members of the household, it goes against fundamental rights such as freedom of life. These types of actions also pose a threat to society’s safety. The party urgently appeals to the government to take strong action against such cowardly persons and restore order and peace,” the VHP said.
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