~Court Appearance Scheduled for February 24~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Prosecutors are moving ahead with a case against Member of Parliament Raeyhon Peterson of the Party for Progress (PFP) following an alleged physical altercation outside an adult entertainment venue that sparked public attention and a police investigation.
The incident reportedly occurred outside a nightclub in the Simpson Bay area, where a dispute inside the establishment escalated into a confrontation outside. Video footage of the altercation circulated widely on social media at the time, prompting public debate and calls for clarity regarding the circumstances.
Authorities subsequently launched an investigation into what was described as a public disturbance involving Peterson and other individuals. The matter is now entering the judicial phase.
According to constitutional procedures under Article 123 of the Constitution of St. Maarten, prosecution of a sitting Member of Parliament for a serious criminal offense (“misdrijf”) cannot proceed through the standard process. Instead, the Attorney-General must formally request authorization from the Common Court of Justice before prosecution can proceed.
Peterson is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, February 24, when the Court is expected to consider the request to move forward with prosecution. If authorization is granted, prosecutors would then be permitted to take formal steps such as summoning the MP, seeking pre-trial measures, or requesting a judicial investigation.
While prosecution steps require court approval, investigative work has reportedly continued in the meantime.
The case has drawn significant public interest given Peterson’s role as a sitting parliamentarian. As of now, no final determination of guilt has been made, and the court hearing will focus on whether the prosecution may formally proceed.
Further updates are expected following the February 24 hearing.
