Court rejects Fernandes Pedra's recusal request; criminal case resumes November 18

ORANJESTAD — A three-judge panel rejected Chania Fernandes Pedra's request on Friday morning to remove the judge presiding over her criminal case involving the fatal accident at the Renaissance bridge on January 4, 2026, which claimed two lives.

Fernandes Pedra filed the recusal request on November 4, alleging that she was not receiving impartial treatment during the proceedings.

During the hearing, attorney Jairon Odor, representing her solely for the recusal proceedings, raised concerns about requests for further investigation, access to the criminal case file and legal representation.

After approximately ten minutes of deliberation, the panel rejected the request. The judges explained that requests for additional investigation must be addressed during the regular criminal proceedings rather than through a recusal procedure.

Arguments concerning legal representation and access to the case file were also dismissed because they had not been included in the original recusal request. 

The court emphasized that requests to challenge a judge's impartiality must be submitted promptly when the grounds arise, rather than after accumulating several incidents over time.

As a result, the criminal case against Fernandes Pedra will resume on November 18. The court's decision will also be issued in writing.