“We offer our profound apologies to Ms Thomas, the editorial staff at Suriname Herald and the Surinamese Association of Journalists. The party values freedom of the press and the crucial role that journalists play in our democracy. It is never our intention to keep the press or journalists from doing their job. The party takes this incident very seriously and will hold an evaluation to prevent such situations in the future,” said the ABOP in an official statement in response to the shocking incident that took place recently after the party's congress.

“We wish to emphasize that this incident took place after the party's congress when the leaders of the ABOP had already left. We nevertheless take full responsibility for making sure that journalists are safe under all circumstances and that they can keep doing their job without any obstacles. The ABOP has launched an internal investigation into this incident. If it becomes clear that members of the party are guilty of restricting the freedom of the press, we will take appropriate action. We want to emphasize that such behaviour is against the values and principles of our party,” said Stanley Betterson, chairman of the  ABOP congress board, and Raoul Abisoina, chairman of the ABOP’s media committee.

Meanwhile the Office of the President announced that it would take action in response to this incident. Reports indicate that a member of the National Security Service (DNV) crossed the line when he came across a journalist after a political meeting of the ABOP. President Chandrikapersad Santokhi has already instructed the head of the DNV to launch a thorough investigation and to take disciplinary action against those responsible for violating the code of conduct. President Santokhi made it clear that he unconditionally supports the rule of law and that he will always defend the freedom of the press. The Office of the President will keep a close eye on the developments in the investigation and will keep protecting the rights of all citizens including those of journalists.