PHILIPSBURG--Former Member of Parliament (MP) Theo Heyliger is one of several inmates released from prison today, Friday, following his imprisonment in January 2024 to serve a five-year sentence for accepting bribes and money laundering.
Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling told The Daily Herald that a number of inmates were released today, Friday under Article 1:37 of the Criminal Code, a measure the Ministry continues to use amid detention capacity constraints. Tackling said the Ministry cannot comment on any individual cases.
Heyliger's release was confirmed by his wife Grisha Heyliger-Marten. She said he served 1,102 days, which includes 91 days in 2019. Further details of the release could not be ascertained.
In September, concerns were raised about Heyliger’s health following a serious episode of diverticulitis complicated by a perforation involving his colon. He was admitted to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), where he received treatment before being discharged and returned to the care and custody of prison authorities.
His wife, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, at the time had expressed relief at the improvement in his condition but stressed that his recovery would require continued medical attention, proper nutrition, adequate hydration and follow-up care.
At the time, Heyliger-Marten urged the Ministry of Justice and prison authorities to ensure that her husband received the appropriate care following his hospitalisation. She also highlighted his longstanding history of diverticulosis, diagnosed in 2018, and the importance of taking the necessary precautions to support his recovery.
With Heyliger now released from prison and reunited with his family, the development brings a significant change after a period marked by incarceration and health concerns.
