ARNHEM - On the second day in the criminal case against four soldiers who are involved in a fatal diving accident in Curaçao in 2015, the mother and the friend of the then 23-year-old victim have their say on Friday.
The military chamber of the Arnhem court also hears two more witnesses and the actual events on 23 November 2015 are discussed with the suspects. The Public Prosecution Service will also show images taken of the start of the diving exercise.
The four soldiers are accused by the Public Prosecution of violating official regulations, which could lead to a life-threatening situation during a mining exercise in Caracas Bay. Their colleague made a dive to a depth of 40 meters and reported that water was entering her mask. Shortly afterwards, voice communication was lost. When it became clear that the victim was in need, a rescue operation was started, but to no avail.
Five other witnesses have already been heard on Thursday. Three soldiers made statements about the different ways in which the service regulations are interpreted. It also appeared that the cause of death of the victim has not been precisely established. She died of asphyxiation, but it was not possible to determine whether this was due to diving equipment, a diving disease or drowning, according to the pathologist. It was not clear whether the victim was still alive when she was rescued.
The prosecution is expected to follow on Monday, in which the public prosecutor lists the facts and sets out the view of the Public Prosecution Service and, on the basis of this, will issue a demand. During the third and last session day, the pleas of the four lawyers are also on the schedule.