“I’m here to clear my name, Brison tells the court."
PHILIPSBURG:--- In today’s regiezitting (pre-trial hearing) in the case against former Member of Parliament Rolando Brison, the judge granted all of Brison’s requests, delivering what legal observers consider a good turn of events for Brison’s case. Central to this ruling was the judge’s decision to compel the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) to provide the full context of WhatsApp conversations involving Brison—messages the OM had previously presented in snippets allegedly to cast the MP in a negative light. The ruling could mark a setback for the prosecution and a pivotal moment for Brison, who has long insisted on his innocence and looked forward to a chance to clear his name in court.
The hearing, held on April 07, 2025, stemmed from the “Lissabon” investigation, which saw Brison arrested in March 2023 on suspicion of bribery and abuse of office. Released after less than 24 hours, Brison has spent the intervening years hoping for the OM to either drop the suspicion or bring it to trial so that he can finally counter their claims and not wait many years, as others have had to suffer in the current legal system. Today’s regiezitting, a procedural step to set the stage for the upcoming trial, showcased Brison’s strategy of transparency and evidence-based defense—and it seems to have paid off.
WhatsApp Context: An important ruling for Brison
The significant ruling for Brison came when the judge agreed to his request that the OM disclose the entirety of his WhatsApp conversations rather than the selective excerpts the prosecution had relied upon. Brison’s legal team argued that the OM cherry-picked snippets to distort the narrative, stripping away crucial context that would exonerate him. They explained how isolated messages could be misconstrued without the full conversational backdrop during the hearing.
Despite reservations from the OM, such as too much documentation or that the defense should choose exactly what period or specific messages, the judge sided with Brison and allowed the full context to be shared. Some legal analysts see this as rare, particularly in political cases where selective evidence has often been used to build a public perception of guilt before trial. “This is a big deal,” one lawyer noted. “Many judges in the past have denied such requests. This is now forcing the OM to show their full hand and could unravel their case if the context supports Brison’s version of events. And I don’t think he would ask for them if they would not benefit his case.”
No Witnesses
Suprisingly, it appears the OM has no relevant witnesses to their charges against him. In past political cases in Sint Maarten and the Netherlands—such as those against Theo Heyliger or Frans Richardson—the OM typically lined up witnesses to bolster claims of corruption, often relying on testimony to paint politicians as guilty. Yet, in Brison’s case, the absence of witnesses raises questions about the strength of the prosecution’s evidence.
Brison’s Bittersweet Stand
In a brief but poignant statement to the judge, Brison captured the duality of his emotions. “It’s bittersweet to be here,” he said. “I regret that the OM has chosen to paint me in an untrue light, but I’m happy to finally have the opportunity for an independent judge to review the evidence on my side.” He emphasized his relief at avoiding the fate of other high-profile cases that drag on for many years, leaving reputations in limbo. “I’m looking forward to clearing my name,” he added. “That’s what I’m grateful for.”
This stance echoes Brison’s broader strategy, as reported in our prior coverage. Unlike many politicians who opt for silence or settlement, Brison has consistently pushed for a courtroom reckoning, confident that the facts—his transparent dealings, documented transactions, and legislative record—will vindicate him. Today’s proceedings might suggest that this confidence may be well-placed.
What’s Next?
Today’s ruling could shift the momentum toward Brison as the trial looms. The OM now must comply with the judge in providing the complete WhatsApp records that may weaken its position and, without witnesses, prop up its claims. For Brison, the regiezitting is a validation of his push for transparency and a chance to turn the tables on an investigation that has already cost him politically and personally—he lost his re-election bid following the 2023 arrest. Of course, it can be a long time before any further hearings, and it is still possible that the OM reconsider the charges, as they have so many other cases that they seem to be putting more emphasis on. It’s still unknown exactly when or what happens next. SMN News will continue to monitor this case closely.
