Court postpones review of C.A.H.’s life sentence until 2027

ORANJESTAD - The Joint Court of Justice has postponed until 2027 the review of the life sentence imposed on C.A.H.

Since 2014, Aruban law requires a life sentence to be reviewed once the prisoner has served 20 years. The purpose is to determine whether conditional release could eventually be considered, based on whether the person still poses a danger and whether reintegration into society is possible.

C.A.H.’s case is the first life-sentence review of its kind in Aruba. Proceedings began in February 2026 and were later adjourned until August 31, in part to allow relatives of victims to present their views.

During the latest hearing, relatives of one of the victims made clear that they oppose any possible release. They said C.A.H.’s apparent lack of remorse weighs heavily in their position.

C.A.H. was also present in court and was informed that the family’s views will explicitly form part of the final assessment.

According to the Court, substantial work still remains before it can determine what conditions would have to be met before release could even be considered. The review was therefore postponed for one year. The Public Prosecutor’s Office must also provide an update within six months.

The process is supported by Aruba’s Life Sentence Commission, which gathers the information needed for the Court to assess whether continued imprisonment still serves a reasonable purpose while taking public safety and the interests of victims and their families into account.