Theo Heyliger released from prison after serving 1,102 days

Former Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger was released from prison on Friday 16 October, his wife Grisha Heyliger-Marten confirmed. She said he served 1,102 days, including 91 days in 2019.

Heyliger began serving a five-year sentence in January 2024 for accepting bribes and money laundering. Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling said several inmates were released on Friday under Article 1:37 of the Criminal Code, which the Ministry of Justice continues to use amid detention capacity constraints. Tackling said the ministry could not comment on individual cases.

In September, Heyliger was admitted to St. Maarten Medical Center for diverticulitis complicated by a perforation involving his colon. He was discharged after treatment and returned to the custody of prison authorities.

Heyliger-Marten had said her husband would need continued medical attention, nutrition, hydration and follow-up care. She also said he had been diagnosed with diverticulosis in 2018.