Guidance

Information for British nationals detained or imprisoned in Suriname

Updated 25 August 2023

Chapter 1: Key points

Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: support for British nationals abroad. You can also request a paper copy from consular staff.

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Suriname and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy, high commission or consulate (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the local British embassy, high commission or consulate or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British embassy, high commission or consulate even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made.

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas.

Honorary Consul office in Paramaribo, Suriname
Telephone: +597 402870 or +597 481966

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Suriname, notification by the authorities to the consulate normally takes place several days after arrest, however, we may also learn of an arrest informally from friends, or family of the detainee.

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)
• in some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK

What we cannot do:

• get you out of prison or detention
• help you get special treatment because you are British
• offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• forward you packages sent by friends or family
• prevent authorities from deporting you after release

First steps

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing.

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are, or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities in Suriname.

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers. You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Suriname

Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Suriname for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

Visiting days for prisoners in detention are Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Convicted prisoners are allowed visitors on Saturday or Sunday from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Family and friends are allowed to visit, however, no more than two people can visit at any one time. Consular staff can arrange clearance for visits by overseas family members and friends, though the prison authorities may refuse non-relatives. Visitors will need to bring identification for the visit.

Visiting days are different for prisoners in detention and convicted prisoners. In some cases, contact is restricted in the interests of the criminal case.

What to expect when you visit

Visits will take place in a separate room, not behind glass and can last up to 15 minutes. All visitors are searched. A guard will be nearby during the visit.

There are no vending machines, however, a commissary shop is available.

What you can take on your visit

Visitors can bring prison comforts, such as toiletries and food. Visitors will be searched before entering the prison including all bags and parcels. Authorities have the right to keep items that are unacceptable (amongst others, weapons, knives, alcohol, drugs, clothes made of black fabric, sunglasses, caps, canned food, grapes, apples, etc).

Visits: consular staff

After the initial visit upon notification of arrest, we will visit you every 3 months or when necessary, with permission. You must submit a request for a consular visit, if you want one. You can speak to the prisoner social worker or warden about this.

You will be called to the prison administration offices during a consular visit. You can also contact us by telephone. Consular visits can happen sooner than every 3 months if we are concerned about your health or welfare, including mistreatment. We will let you know you before visiting. We can also arrange telephone calls instead of in-person visits.

During our routine visits you will have the opportunity to discuss any health issues, security concerns, your treatment in prison. You should say during the visit if you don’t want to disclose something you tell us to your next of kin.

If it is urgent you can ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf.

Emergency trips outside of prison

Trips outside of prison can only be undertaken with the permission of the Minister of Police.

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

You will be told the reason for your arrest and given an Interpreter, if needed. Interpretation services are free.

You can insist on having legal representation before answering questions or making statements. Legal aid is also available, if needed.

Immediately after arrest, you will be kept in the police station, with access to food and water, however, no bedding is provided.

You can ask to see a doctor but this must be done in consultation with the prosecutor or warden.

You will have to give all your personal belongings to the warden.

You will be allowed to make a phone. Calls can only be made to domestic numbers.

Appearing at court

You will be required to speak at Court. If you do not have a lawyer, you can ask for a state lawyer. Court appointed lawyers are not required to speak English and detainees have the right to be assisted by an interpreter.

Initial arrival at the prison

When you arrive at the prison, you will be taken to reception where you will be read your committal from the warrant along with the rules of the Prison. The officer in charge of the prison, the Medical Officer, the Welfare Officer and the Sentence Planning team will interview you.

You will be searched and your details will be taken when you arrive at the prison. You will have to give all your valuables to prison staff.

You have the right to make one telephone call that must to a Suriname number. You do not have to pay for this call.

When you arrive at the prison, you will be interviewed by a doctor or social worker. If you have any medication it will be kept by the warden.

You will be given a uniform to wear in the prison and will not be allowed to wear your own clothing.

Toiletries will not be provided by prison authorities.

Prison: conditions and daily life

Only high-profile prisoners are isolated from the other prisoners in a separate cell. You will usually share a cell with 4 or 5 other prisoners or be put in a larger dormitory with up to 12 prisoners. Mattresses and hammocks are provided. However, there’s usually a shortage of mattresses. Bedding is not provided. Cells do not have separate bathing and washroom facilities. All prisoners use the same bathroom and washroom facilities.

Accommodation

Sentenced prisoners and those on remand are held separately. Sentenced prisoners are held alone in a cell. Prisoners on remand can share a cell with 2 to 6 prisoners.

Electricity and natural light will be available in the cell.

Food and diet

You are entitled to breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is basic and usually includes rice, greens and meat (beef/chicken). Special diets are not available and portions are not calculated on a calorie based system. You can supplement your diet by buying food from a prison shop. Clean drinking water is available to prisoners.

Hygiene

There is no limit on how often you can shower/bathe. Shower/bathing facilities are communal. Toiletries are not provided by the prison authorities but they can be bought at the prison shop.

Work and study

Prisoners can work while incarcerated and will be paid SRD $2.50 (USD $0. 06) per day.

Contact and languages

It is not likely that you will be put in a cell with other English-speaking inmates. Guards do not usually speak English. Language classes are not provided by the prison.

Neither writing materials nor internet access are provided to prisoners.

Prisons in Suriname do not have libraries. Prisoners are not permitted to watch/own a television.

You can request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

Exercise

You are allowed to go outdoors for a period during the day. There are exercise facilities offered at the gym including basketball, gym and soccer. Regular exercise is organised by the prison authorities.

Climate

The climate in Suriname is very different from the UK. It is very hot in the summer. Appropriate clothing is provided for the weather.

Religion

You are entitled to take part in religious services of your choice. The detention facilities are staffed by religious ministers.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

You will have the prison rules and regulations explained to you. For more serious behaviours, sanctions/punishments, such as isolation, can be applied.

There is a reward/ranking system and it is possible to earn privileges for good behaviour.

If you are found with drugs / in possession of drugs for sale or receiving drugs in the mail, you will be sent to a punishment cell.

Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

There are 2 ways you may be able to receive financial assistance while in prison:

• private funds: deposited to you by your family or friends
• Prisoners Abroad: depending on where you are detained, if your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day)

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends. Please note that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources. Prisoners are eligible for these Prisoners Abroad Funds – the Craig Feehan Fund, the Vitamin Fund and the Medical Fund.

Medical and dental treatment

While you are detained, Suriname is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met through the Prisoner Health Team.

A prison doctor is available as well as a prison dentist. To request an appointment, you can speak with the warden. The prison doctor visits prisoners once a week and the dentist visits once a month. Prisoners do not need to pay for medication/treatment, it is free of charge by the Government. Medication is available in the prisons at no cost.

If you need specialist treatment or assessment, you will be transferred to an external hospital. If necessary, you can access private healthcare with permission. Psychiatrists/psychologists are available at the prison.

In the case of a medical emergency, you may be taken to an external hospital.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor. We can also contact your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

Prison regulations say that you are allowed to receive any number of parcels but this may vary in individual prisons. Senders should avoid including paper clips in letters/parcels. Prisoners will need to pay for stamps.

The sender should address the letter/parcel writing the receiver’s full name and prisoner’s number on the front; including their address in the back.

Letters and parcels should be sent to:

Centrale Penitentiaire Inrichting,
Welgedacht A Weg,
Uitkijk
Suriname

The sender should write the full name, surname and prisoners prison number on the front and their own address on the back.

Telephone calls

You are permitted to make domestic calls which you much apply for prior. International calls are only allowed in consultation with the prison management. Prisoners must register the numbers that they want to call. Prisoners are not allowed mobile phones.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally-accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible take photos of your injuries.

If you would like to lodge a complaint, you can speak to the Officer in Charge of the prison or the social worker. The social worker will contact the High Commission by telephone should this arise.

Chapter 3: The Suriname judicial system

Overview

In Suriname, there is the Subdistrict Court for criminal cases in the first instance and the Court of Justice for criminal cases on appeal. In Suriname, you will be convicted by a judge. You cannot be kept in pre-trial detention for more than120 days before the case starts in the subdistrict court. If a judicial preliminary investigation has taken place, this term can be extended by a maximum of 2 periods of 30 days at the request of the prosecuting officer. Prisoners are kept in cell houses attached to the police stations or in the House of Detention.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system.

First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

During the interrogation, you will be told what you are suspected of. It is not common for you to be given the opportunity to talk to a relative. You will be given the opportunity to call your lawyer before making a statement. You have the right to be interrogated in a language that you understand and an interpreter will be provided. You will usually be held in the cell house attached to the relevant police station, until you are convicted. Once convicted, you will be transferred to a penitentiary.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See our list of local English-speaking lawyers.

Pre-trial detention can last anywhere between 7 days to a maximum of 120 days, followed by possible detention in court.

During pre-trial detention, you will stay in a cell house of the police or in the House of Detention. Pre-trial detention is not linked to a specific time and does not depend on the type of crime committed. At the hearing, the judge can order detention, which implies that your pre-trial detention will be extended. You will usually be moved to prison after conviction ,when capacity permits.

Bail is not applicable in Suriname.

Prisoners on remand and sentenced prisoners: differences

There is a difference between convicted prisoners and those in pre-trial detention but this is not always applied in practice. Long-term prisoners have to serve their sentences in prisons and those who are in pre-trial detention usually stay in a police station or a House of Detention. As a convicted person, you have more freedom of movement and you can also work in the institution or, if the opportunity arises, outside the institution, but under supervision.

After you are charged

Once you have been formally charged, you have the right to be informed of your rights. If you are charged in a language they do not understand, you can request to have it translated. If you believe the charges are incorrect, the court will give you a period of time to dispute them. You will be expected to enter a plea when you are formally charged.

Bail

In Suriname there is no bail. Some cases can be settled out of court if you pay a fine and the case is closed. Whether this option is available to you is decided by the public prosecutor.

Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you want to hire a private lawyer, see the list of English-speaking lawyers. Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-country specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

An advance must always be paid before the case is accepted. There is no fixed amount as this will depend on the seriousness of the case.

You have a right to legal assistance. During interrogation at the police station, you will need to inform the public prosecutor or the judge that you cannot pay for legal representation.

Trial

At the first hearing of the case, the judge will present the charge against you. If you do not have a lawyer, you will be asked if you would like a government lawyer. The case is then presented by the public and you can then respond.

If there are witnesses, they will give evidence first. You will also have the opportunity to put questions to the witnesses.

There is no specific time frame for cases to be brought to trial, however, simple cases are brought to court within two months.

Sentences

Sentences vary in Suriname and will depend on the seriousness of the crime. Your lawyer will be in a better position to advise on the length of sentences and the appeal processes. You have the right to appeal within 2 weeks of sentencing through your attorney. Appeals are usually made by your lawyer.

Appeals

The term for appeal is no later than two weeks after the verdict. Revision is possible. The convicted person appeals if he does not agree with the sentence or if he believes it is innocent. The public prosecutor also has the option to appeal.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

The Suriname legal system does not have separate regulations for remission.

Early release

You may be eligible for conditional release after serving two-thirds of your sentence. In the case of a life sentence, early release may be possible after you have served at least 20 years of your sentence.

Also note that parole is available for people convicted of some offences. Applications for parole are determined by the Parole Board.

Clemency or pardon

In Suriname, pardon/clemency can only be given by the President. A pardon/clemency means that, although the prison sentence will end, the person will still have a criminal record. You should discuss this with your lawyer.

Financial penalties

The Prison authorities are not responsible for your financial penalties. The Suriname Police Force is responsible for enforcing fines and financial penalties but they are not usually imposed on foreign nationals after they have served their sentences.

Transfer to another prison within Suriname

It is possible to transfer to another prison within Suriname.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

To transfer to the UK, you must:

• be a British citizen or have close family ties with the UK (normally through permanent residence in the UK)
• not be awaiting trial
• have exhausted all appeals against your conviction and/or the length of your sentence; or have waived your right to an appeal
• have at least 6 months of your sentence left to serve when you apply for transfer
• have no outstanding fines or other non-custodial penalties

The offence you were convicted for must also be a criminal offence in the part of the UK you wish to be transferred to: England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

The authorities in the sentencing country may refuse your request. Even if the sentencing country agrees to your transfer, the UK authorities may also refuse your request. Reasons for this might include if you have not lived in the UK for a number of years and you have no close family living there.

To submit a request for a prison transfer, you must provide the receiving State with the following information:

• the name, date and place of birth of the prisoner
• the nature, duration and start date of your sentence
• a statement of the facts which led to your the sentence
• a statement indicating how much of your sentence has already been served, including information on any pre-trial detention, remission and any other factor relevant to the enforcement of the sentence
• a certified copy of the judgment and the law on which it is based
• if appropriate, a medical or social report, information about your treatment of prisoner in Suriname and any recommendation for further treatment in the receiving State
• a written statement saying that you have given your consent to the transfer

Requests for transfer and replies must be made in writing and addressed through the diplomatic channel, by the competent authority of the requesting State to the competent authority of the requested State.

Release and deportation

It is customary for foreign nationals who have served their sentences to be deported if they are staying in Suriname illegally. You will then end up in immigration detention until the administrative matters have been completed. You can contest your deportation.

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can visit them when you first arrive back in UK for advice, to use their temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Support Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

Chapter 4: Additional information

Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting
• Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad

89 – 93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
UK
UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098
Mondays to Fridays 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)