Public Prosecution Service: Taghi’s missing defense can no longer hold up the case of co-suspects

The Public Prosecution Service calls it “no longer justifiable” that Ridouan Taghi’s thirteen co-suspects in the appeal of the Marengo case have to wait for the appointment of a new lawyer for Taghi.

Taghi, sentenced to life in prison in early 2024 for a series of underworld murders, has been without a lawyer since the arrest of Vito Shukrula last April. And the Public Prosecution Service does not expect a solution “in the short term”. “We understand the problems that the eleven deans encounter in the search for a new lawyer.”

Taghi’s criminal case will probably have to be separated and provided with new judges

Therefore, the appeal must be continued, which, according to the Public Prosecution Service, means that the court cannot rule simultaneously in both Taghi’s case and that of his co-defendants. This probably means that Taghi’s criminal case will have to be separated and provided with new judges.

However, the court does not want to draw that conclusion for the time being. It has assigned the search for a new lawyer to the court’s investigating judge. This so-called commissioner-council now has four months to consult with all parties about Taghi’s legal assistance.

Letter

After the conclave of the commissioner, the court will decide how to proceed with the case. At the same time, it does not seem to intend to continue the treatment for much longer. The interrogation of several witnesses, scheduled for next December, will continue as usual. Taghi is not present.

Taghi himself stated during a scheduled hearing in the special court in the Extra Secure Institution in Vugt that he had made every effort to find a lawyer in vain. “It is in my interest to find new lawyers quickly. I have not seen anyone for over three years and it will remain that way until the appeal […] is over.”

At the request of the chairman of the court, the local deans of the Bar Association, united in the dean’s council, started the search for a lawyer for Taghi in August. They have, among other things, sent a letter to all members of the Dutch Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Two lawyers responded. One was dropped due to conflicting interests, the other was found unsuitable.

The three lawyers who initially assisted Taghi – Michael Ruperti, Arthur van der Biezen and Sjoerd van Berge Henegouwen – withdrew in the spring of 2024. And their successor Shukrula has been detained on suspicion of membership of Taghi’s criminal organization.

Legal aid

To questions from the chairman, Taghi said in so many words that the problem is also partly due to the court. “You don’t want to give anyone time to read up. I’m not saying it’s your fault, but that was my lawyers’ motivation for withdrawing at the time. Shukrula also wanted to withdraw, but he stayed at my request.”

During the hearing, both the Legal Aid Board and the dean’s council did not intend to appoint a lawyer. Nor does the Public Prosecution Service: “We don’t want to put anyone on the spot.”

Now it is up to the commissioner to resolve the impasse surrounding Taghi’s legal assistance
to break through

Taghi was understanding: “I would not want a lawyer to be forced. The new regime in the ECI is extreme. There are now cameras everywhere. There is no possibility of confidential consultation.”

The Public Prosecution Service did inquire with the Ministry of Justice about the appointment of a lawyer by the dean on the basis of the Lawyers Act. According to the ministry, this is possible if a suspect has made an explicit request for legal assistance to the dean of the Bar Association.

After a question from the court, Taghi said that he will submit such a request. Now it is up to the commissioner to break the impasse regarding Taghi’s legal assistance, the chairman of the court stated: “All gown wearers must ensure that this process runs smoothly.”

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