In a dramatic courtroom session on April 10, 2025, the case of Inez Weski, a former lawyer accused of involvement in the criminal organization of Ridouan Taghi, took a significant turn as her legal team presented grave allegations regarding her unlawful detention.
Weski, who was not present in court, has been accused of acting as a messenger for Taghi, currently serving a life sentence for his role in multiple murders. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) claims that she smuggled at least 8,000 encrypted messages to and from Taghi, thereby implicating her in drug trafficking activities. However, her defense argues that her actions were protected by attorney-client confidentiality.
Weski was arrested on April 21, 2023, and subsequently held in a secret location for nine days, a fact that has now been deemed unlawful by the Inspectorate of Justice and Security. The inspectorate ruled earlier this week that her detention violated the Penitentiary Principles Act (Pbw) and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons against Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED). According to the inspectorate, they were not informed of her detention, which prevented them from overseeing the conditions.
Carry Knoops-Hamburger, one of Weski's lawyers, opened the session with strong accusations against the OM, claiming they had committed 'abuse of power' and violated human rights by detaining her client unlawfully. "This unlawful detention amounts to 'unlawful deprivation of liberty'," she stated. For two years, Weski has reportedly sought recourse through various authorities, only to receive evasive responses until a recent ruling.
During the session, Knoops-Hamburger questioned whether the OM could still proceed with charges against Weski after her rights were 'seriously and irreparably violated'. She pointed out that the conditions of Weski's detention, described as being in a bunker "ten meters underground, with a non-functioning intercom," were unacceptable. Weski's lawyers are now demanding that the court inspect this secret location, arguing that personal observation by the judges would prevent the OM from downplaying the severity of the situation.
Geert-Jan Knoops, another member of Weski's legal team, criticized the inspectorate's report as being too limited and called for a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the rights violations. He emphasized the need for witness testimonies and requested that the court obtain the secret section of the inspectorate's report regarding Weski's detention.
Weski's defense team also raised concerns about her health during her time in detention, claiming she faced life-threatening situations due to inadequate medical care. They allege that, during her confinement, she experienced severe health issues related to her diabetes, which were exacerbated by the conditions she endured.
In her book, "The Sound of Silence," published in early 2024, Weski detailed her experience in detention, describing it as being under 'dog-like conditions'. The inspectorate has disputed her claims of mistreatment, asserting that they had made efforts to ensure her safety and well-being during her confinement.
The OM has vehemently denied allegations of unlawful detention, stating that they took all necessary measures to care for Weski during her time in custody. They acknowledged that the detention period was challenging for Weski but maintained that it was not more detrimental than what she would have experienced in a standard penitentiary facility.
As the courtroom proceedings unfolded, the tension was palpable. The heavily secured courtroom was filled with journalists and onlookers, eager to witness the developments in this high-profile case. The defense's arguments were met with skepticism from the prosecution, which contended that the allegations of mistreatment were exaggerated.
Weski's lawyers have vowed to pursue all avenues to challenge the legality of the prosecution's case, arguing that the violations of her rights should render the charges inadmissible. They have indicated that they will formally request the court to declare the OM inadmissible due to the unlawful detention.
As the session progressed, the court took a brief recess before continuing with the proceedings. The defense team highlighted the importance of bringing to light the full circumstances surrounding Weski's detention, insisting that her treatment was not only unlawful but also detrimental to her mental and physical health.
In addition to the requests for witness testimonies, the defense has also called for an investigation into the handling of Weski's complaints during her detention. They argue that the failure to address these complaints adequately constitutes a further violation of her rights.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of legal protections for defendants in similar situations. Weski's case raises critical questions about the balance between national security and individual rights, particularly in high-stakes criminal cases involving organized crime.
The next court hearing is expected to delve deeper into these issues, with the defense likely to continue pressing for accountability regarding the conditions of Weski's detention. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will address the serious allegations raised by Weski's attorneys and whether they will have any bearing on the prosecution's case against her.
In the meantime, Weski's situation has sparked widespread discussion about the treatment of detainees and the responsibilities of the justice system to uphold human rights standards. The public and legal communities will be watching closely as this high-profile case continues to develop.
