RSSAruba wil hulp van Nederland/Aruba Wants Aid of the Netherlands
From Netherlands Dagblad
Aruba wil hulp van Nederland
ANP
WILLEMSTAD – De Arubaanse minister van Justitie Croes wil dat de Nederlandse regering het eiland verdedigt bij de Amerikaanse autoriteiten.
Ook wil Croes dat Den Haag officieel steun betuigt aan Aruba, omdat er volgens hem sytematisch spookverhalen verschijnen in de Amerikaanse media over de verdwijning van de Amerikaanse scholiere Natalee Holloway. Croes zei dat maandag na afloop van een overleg op CuraËcao met de ministers Donner (Justitie) en Pechtold (Koninkrijksrelaties) en de Antilliaanse justitieminister Dick.
In Summary the article states the following:
This morning dutch newswire reported that Aruban justice minister Rudy Croes complained to his dutch counterpart Piet Hein Donner about the attitude of the American press in this case. ‘The reputation of the island is damaged by false reports about crime and general American mistrust of the Aruban justice system’, Croes said. ‘Aruba is a part of the Netherlands and so the reputation of the Netherlands as a whole is damaged by these press reports’.
Donner promised to relay the message to the Dutch embassy in the United States. But he’s convinced that the American government is well aware of the fact that everything is being done that needs to be done.
Hat Tip: Gerben 2
Also checking in today is Aruba Girl with similar comments heard on Canal 90:
According to Canal 90, Rudy Croes (minister of Justice) asked his Dutch colleague, Alexander Pechtold for help, because Rudy Croes thinks that the Dutch government has to show some sign of support, because the American media is systematically destroying Aruba’s justice system, which is also the Dutch system.
Another Dutch minister, Donner said that he would help in any way he could.
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VIDEO UPDATE:
If you have not seen them yet or would like to again, here are some links to some interesting interviews courtesy of the Political Teen from yesterday and last night.
Tim Miller Speaks of the Quarry
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UPDATE II: Full Translation of article
Aruba wants help from The Netherlands
ANP
WILLEMSTAD – The Aruban Justice minister Croes wants the Dutch government to defend the reputation of the Island by the American authorities.
Croes wants also the official support from The Hague because, according to him ,the American press makes up ghost stories about the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. Croes said that Monday after a meeting with minister Donner (Justice) and Pechtold (Kingdom relations) and the Antillean justice minister Dick.
The minister is afraid for the consequences the negative press reports can have for the influx of American tourists. Some American networks present Aruba as an Island full of crime where gambling, drinking and drugs dealing is common. Also the police investigation and the JD has come under criticism. ”The believability of our justice system has come under fire” Croes told, ”we have the same system everywhere in the kingdom so the credibility of The Netherlands is dragged trough the mud”.
In Aruba 45.000 people are dependent on tourism. ”we cannot sit and watch the slandering of our name. We want The Netherlands to give us support”. Minister Donner agrees with his colleague. In a reaction he said the give matter attention with the foreign department. ”we must see how to prevent major damage to the island Aruba. Maybe we can trough our embassy in the United States correct the view of the press”.
That the American authorities criticized the Aruban government denies Donner. ” I am convinced that the American government is well aware of the fact that everything is being done that needs to be done”. The American press is already on the island for weeks covering the disappearance of Holloway.
Thank you, Gerben aka Pays Bas
Natalee Holloway; June 28, 2005
“Here’s a different perspective on the Natalee Holloway disappearance;”.
Many have wondered what the fascination has been revolving around the Natalee Holloway disappearance. Far too many people have taken a negative approach, that there are others out there who are missing that do not get the recognition so why should Natalee? There are other venues for missing people. However, what separates this case from many others is not only the fact that a teenage girl went missing without a trace but also the international aspect of the event in an island paradise where all that go assume complete safety. The majority of people though have seen and been debating the many issues of this situation including family and friends feelings, economic impact, investigative procedures, Dutch law and mostly theories of how could such and event have ever occurred
People in Aruba as expressed on our message boards and in emails have stated although the pray for the safe return of Natalee Holloway and peace for her family, they also understandably are worried for their island. They fear the negative media attention will affect their economy. It seems as though the Dutch and immigrants are now weighing in. This morning in The Birmingham News, “Immigrants feel pressure from Aruba case,” is just another example of that very feeling and the International ramifications of missing teen, Natalee Holloway.
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) — The disappearance of an Alabama teenager in Aruba is bringing attention to the Caribbean island at a time when the Aruban community in the Netherlands already is under scrutiny by the Dutch government.
Dutch media paid scant attention to Natalee Holloway’s disappearance until the arrest last week of Paul van der Sloot, the Dutch father of one of the suspects and a senior legal official who is training to become a judge. Van der Sloot was released on Sunday.
But Arubans here have been following the news closely. Their concern is that the case could precipitate a sharp decline in tourism to the tropical island off the Venezuelan coast — a Dutch protectorate — resulting in economic hardship and spurring a wave of migration to Holland, at just the wrong time for the 120,000 immigrants already here.
Whether Aruba understands it or not and I am sure they do; the eyes of the world are upon them and most noticeably those in America. The perception of what is and is not being done to investigate the vanishing of Natalee Holloway will have ramifications throughout the US. Some media have already taken the approach to boycott Aruba; however, personally at the point it was done was far too soon for any purpose other than for self-serving ratings.
This is a rather interesting read to see the other side of a scenario from an Aruban and Dutch perspective. It would appear that the Natalee Holloway disappearance may have exasperated some already existing issues that were present in Aruba.
“Everyone is talking a lot about it,” said Henry Breeveld, the director of a Rotterdam welfare organization for Antilles and Aruba immigrants.
In an effort to curb crime and unemployment, the Dutch government has proposed deporting young people from the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba who neither have jobs nor are in school.
“People come to Holland whenever the economy is bad or when they feel insecure,” Breeveld said.
The government proposal, which came before Holloway’s disappearance, faces legal challenges because people from the islands — former colonies that remain part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands — are Dutch citizens. Islanders say the move is discriminatory and have vowed to fight it in court.
In an effort to curb crime? Hmm. The plan that they refer to that would attempt to handle such problems is as follows:
“young immigrants would have three months to find a job, enroll in studies or return home”.
For a truly interesting read, please read the full story here.
Natalee Holloway, Evening Update
The Birmingham News, Progress of Aruba probe under question
The release from jail of a party boat disc jockey a day after the freeing of a second suspect raised questions Monday about the progress of the investigation into the disappearance of an Alabama teenager on a school trip to the Caribbean.
The three people who remain detained in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway were among the last seen with her on May 30. The next day, she didn’t show up to fly back to Alabama.
Aruban officials say a murder conviction is possible without a body, but requires strong evidence such as a confession, reliable statements and forensic evidence of wrongdoing.
Massive searches that have included Aruban authorities, FBI agents, Dutch Marines and thousands of islanders have found nothing.
Attorney General Caren Jannsen declined to say whether the judge’s decision to free the two men harmed the case.
“We are still hoping to find the truth,” Jannsen said.
To further add fuel to the fire with questions of the investigation, it has been reported by Bill O’Reilly on The Factor that the Aruban government has not given the OK for 200 Dutch Marines to help in the search further insinuating that the Aruban government was not interested in solving the mystery. A rather peculiar situation as the Dutch marines were part of the initial searches for Natalee. As per Aruban sources,
“According to an old interview in the beginning, the marine spokeswoman said that the government requested three additional days, and that’s all that the marines could give them. Why I don’t know, it’s not like we’re at war here”.
It was also my understanding that seems to be backed up by some in Aruba that it would be the Dutch who would control the Marines not the Aruban government. Although because this is an Aruban police investigation, the Aruban government would need some type of formal request. Seeing that they allowed it in the beginning, it is rather peculiar they would not continue.
Also according to our sources in Aruba regarding the search of the quarry today into this evening, nothing was found yet.
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Wow, think the Aruba story is not one of the most watched news events? Just ask Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly. (Drudge Report)
CABLE SHAKEUP: ‘GRETA’ PASSES ‘O’REILLY’ FOR TOP RATED…
FOXNEWS ‘GRETA’ HAS QUIETLY BECOME THE TOP-RATED NEWS PROGRAM ON CABLE, NIELSEN RATINGS SHOW. ‘GRETA’ PASSED FNC’S ‘O’REILLY’ ON WED, THURS AND FRIDAY NIGHTS…
THURS: [VIEWERS]
FOXNEWS GRETA 2,803,000
FOXNEWS O’REILLY 2,735,000
FOXNEWS HANNITY/COLMES 2,549,000
Oh to be a producer or staff member of the “Factor” right now.
Video of Tim Miller from Texas EquuSearch courtesy of the Political Teen. Tim discusses the search of the quarry today and well as background into why he started Texas EquuSearch. He can truly empathize with the Holloway and Twitty’s.
Afternoon Update
Riehl World has some updates.
Just had a communication from Aruba – search dogs have gotten a “hit” in quarry near the Van der Sloot house, dive team being rounded up.
On Fox News, Angela Munzenhofer from Aruba Today, say that she spoke with Steven Croes, and that he says all he did was over hear a conversation that Deepak was having on the telephone. He went to the police to tell them and was arrested.
UPDATE:: We have word from multiple sources that divers are in the water at a quarry near the Van Der Sloots home. There are evidence flags up around the area. We will post as more information is available.
UPDATE 2:
” I knew that I was innocent, but I got myself in something without thinking how big it could get. ”
Steve Croes on Top 95, the most popular station in Aruba. Thanks ArubaGirl!
Update 3: 21:00 Confirmation was received that nothing was found at the Quarry search site.
Mountain Brook Community Turns Out For Natalee Holloway & Family
On Saturday the community of Mountain Brook, AL including many of Natalee Holloway’s classmates turned out for a fund raiser for the Holloway family. The community came together in support of the Holloway/Twitty’s symbolized by group of Natalee’s teenage girl friends put on their matching silver wishbone necklaces, a sign of their lasting friendship.
At the fund-raiser Saturday afternoon, a group of six Mountain Brook teenage girls put on matching silver wishbone necklaces, a sign of their lasting friendship. “Natalee still has hers,” Mallie Tucker said at the concert raising money for the search for Holloway. “Natalee is my best friend and I’d do anything to bring her home.” “We just get together and pray,” said Frances Ellen Byrd, also wearing her wishbone necklace. “We can’t wait for her to get home.”
The benefit was held at Oteys, co-owned by Doug and Joy Smith, with musicians Matthew Mayfield and Will Mason of the Moses Mayfield band performing as well as donated items being auctioned off.
“This is a way we can show our support,” Joy Smith said. “It’s a strong community,” Doug Smith said. “Everybody’s ready to do everything they can.”
Some of our own Scared Monkeys attended the benefit and described it follows:
Well, driving up to it gave me goosebumps. There were yellow balloons everywhere, people spilling out all over the parking lot, and the age range was from newborn (12 weeks) to this adorable couple AT LEAST in their 70′s. Coolers of beer, soft drinks, etc. and tables with hot dogs and such were all out on the patio – free for the taking. A girl had a table set up for people to make donations – there was always a line. Another table was set up w/ a silent auction for these beautiful crosses made by Anita Miles (she who started the yellow ribbon campaign w/out even knowing the family). I’m sure that will bring in hundreds. Lots and lots of teenagers, but just as many grown ups. I was also pleasantly surprised to see some friends of mine that didn’t know the family at all – provided support just because they wanted to.
While I was waiting to introduce myself to Marcia Twitty, (Natalee’s aunt, sister in law of Jug and Beth), I overheard Paul DeMarco, local state representative, asking what he could do to help and offering to go to Aruba.
We had asked some of our Scared Monkeys to pass out fliers to show our support and to ask the community of Mountain Brook to feel free at any time to email us about any events, occurrences or stories that they wished to share regarding Natalee Holloway. Our Scared Monkeys did not disappoint.
I took the fliers with me but wanted to make sure with Marcia that it was appropriate to distribute them and she was more than OK with it.
Another one of our Monkeys (aka Charlotte) that attended the benefit described it like this:
I would say about 300 people there. Otey’s, the place where it was held is in a shopping center in Crestline Village which is one of the 3 villages of Mountain Brook. Otey’s is pretty small so everyone was outside. It seemed to me there were all ages there from students to their parents, to younger parents with young children. It kind of had the atmosphere of a big block party- just people getting together for a common cause. This community has been extremely supportive of the Twittys. You have to understand that Mountain Brook has always had the reputation of being an upper class, somewhat snobby community, which is really not the case. I have never been so proud to live here as I am now, seeing how some many people, most of whom didn’t even know Natalee have pulled together to help this family.
The mood of the benefit wasn’t a sad event at all as we were told and our reader managed to catch a glimpse of Frances Ellen Byrd and Ruth McVay who she recognized from TV. Another one of our fellow Monkeys that attended the benefit said, “the people I spoke with were generally positive. Also, just heard on the local news here that 19,000 dollars was raised”. However, what most stuck out in another one of our Scared Monkey’s mind of the entire benefit was this moving image she will always remember:
I think the most vivid picture that stands out in my mind is the brick, 2-story, 4 sided clock that you see as you enter Crestline Village and the huge yellow bows placed on each of the 4 sides.
Natalee Holloway; Breaking Aruba News – Croes Released – Now Paul Van der Sloot
As reported earlier and now confirmed by CNN, Steven Croes will be released tomorrow at 1:oo pm because of lack of evidence according to his attorney.
ORANJESTAD, Aruba (CNN) — Steve Croes, a disc jockey who was arrested in connection with the disappearance of Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway, will be released Monday because of a lack of evidence against him, his attorney, Eleni Lotterhoman, said Sunday following a court hearing.
There was no word yet on how the judge may have ruled in the detention of the other four suspects.
Croes, 26, worked on a party boat on the island.
Sunday’s hearing was postponed from Saturday because the judge being flown in from the nearby island of Curacao was delayed, said David Kock, defense attorney for 18-year-old Satish Kalpoe, one of the suspects.
So far it appears from sources that the other four will remain in custody, but unconfirmed.
The other suspects include Kalpoe’s 21-year-old brother, Deepak Kalpoe; their 17-year-old friend, Joran Van Der Sloot; and his father, Paul Van Der Sloot, 53.
AP: Judge in Aruba Orders Release of Party Boat DJ Held in Natalee Holloway Disappearance
ORANJESTAD, Aruba (AP) – A judge ordered Aruban police Sunday to release a party boat disc jockey held in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, saying authorities did not have enough evidence against him, the man’s lawyer said.
“The judge agreed there is not enough proof he was involved to keep holding him,” said Croes’ lawyer, Eleni Lotter-Homan.
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6:00 pm – BREAKING NEWS: Fox News -
Suspect’s Father to Be Released
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The judge ordered the father of Dutch teen Joran van der Sloot and party boat disc jockey Steve Gregory Croes to be released in the absence of sufficient evidence to continue holding them. The other three suspects will remain in custody for another eight days, according to a court clerk.
The lawyer representing Paul van der Sloot, whose arrest has garnered the most attention, said Sunday that his client has waived his right not to testify against his son. Under Aruban law, parents have the option to refuse to testify against their children. In waiving that right, Paul van der Sloot is essentially agreeing to take the stand.
Video from The Political Teen of Paul Van der Sloot to be let go and waives his right to testify against his son.
From The Birmingham News, Suspect’s father released in Aruba case
The father of a Dutch suspect arrested in the disappearance of an Alabama teenager was freed from jail on Sunday, hours after a judge ordered the release of a party boat disc jockey also held in the case.
Paul van der Sloot, a high-ranking justice official studying to be a judge on the Dutch Caribbean island, had been arrested Thursday as a suspect for collaborating in a crime with his 17-year-old son, according to his lawyer.
“A little bit of the nightmare clouds are now disappearing,” van der Sloot’s wife, Anita, told The Associated Press. “The truth will always come forward. From the beginning, I trusted everything would be fine.”
Sunday Morning Update
There is a new judge on the island, who is supposed to be having a hearing this morning. Also, Aruba’s justice minister has admitted taking Joran’s father into custody to help make him talk. If this is true, it is another departure from how the US judicial system is run, and may be a sign of desperation by the Aruban judicial system. Rumor also has it that one or two of the suspects may be released.
On a brighter note, the full team from the Texas EquuSearch has arrived on the island Saturday. The final 17 members of the team are on site and ready to search.
The benefit for the Natalee Search was a success, as Fox reported on air today that 25,000 dollars was raised. We are hoping to have pictures from the event later on today.
9:31 AM: Four of the 5 suspects, Steve Croes is not there, are in the court house with the Judge that just recently arrived. They will be meeting individually with the Judge and the prosecutor.
10:40 Steve Croes’s is also at the courthouse now, Fox News is reporting that a decision is due soon.
1:30 PM Steve Croes will be released on Monday. Attorney says that he will be released as the judge has determined there is not enough to hold him.
The father of the Dutch teen suspect in Natalee Holloway’s disappearance was taken into custody in order to make his son talk, Aruba’s justice minister said Saturday.
In an exclusive interview with FOX News’ Geraldo Rivera, Justice Minister Rudy Croes said the detention of Paul van der Sloot whose son Joran changed the story he told police about the night of Natalee’s disappearance — could be key to solving the case.
“Any moment, we can have the solution,” Croes said. “I don’t think [Joran], if he really participated in the disappearance of this lady, I don’t think he can hold out for so long knowing his father is detained.”
Croes said Joran and two other suspects, Deepak and Satish Kalpoe, were surveilled electronically after being released following an initial round of questioning. He implied that information picked up by such surveillance led to their second detention.
“That’s why, after a certain moment, they were seized,” said Croes.
A judge is to determine Sunday whether five suspects in the disappearance of Alabama teen Natalee Holloway will remain in jail.
Their hearing was postponed from Saturday because the judge being flown in from the nearby island of Curacao experienced flight delays, said David Kock, defense attorney for 18-year-old Satish Kalpoe, one of the suspects.
Kock said the judge’s flight was delayed several times, and as the afternoon grew later, the decision was made to reschedule the appearances.
A team of Texas search specialists began a full-fledged hunt for Holloway on Saturday.
“I feel very, very optimistic that we are going to take Natalee back to Alabama where she belongs,” said Tim Miller, director and founder of Texas EquuSearch.
The entire 27-member team, including eight divers and four dogs, had arrived by Saturday night. The divers were to search areas of water Sunday.
Natalee Holloway Evening Updates
From the Iowa Channel, Texas Crews Comb Aruba In Hunt For Missing Teen
Court Hearing Delayed Until Sunday
Volunteer rescuers from Texas on Saturday combed Aruba in the latest search for a U.S. teenager from Alabama who disappeared almost a month ago.
Texas EquuSearch is using sniffer dogs on land and sonar in the ocean. The searchers are said to be focusing on “five or six areas of interest” on land.
Also, Court Hearing Delayed Until Sunday.
Also Saturday, the lawyer for one of two Surinamese brothers being held in connection with Holloway’s disappearance confirmed that his client admitted lying to police when he told them that he and his brother and their Dutch friend dropped Holloway off alone at her hotel, the Holiday Inn, the night she disappeared.
The man now claims that he and his brother dropped Holloway and 17-year-old Joran van der Sloot off together at the Marriott hotel and then went home.
Joran’s mother told the AP last week that he, too, had changed his story, acknowledging now that he and Natalee were alone together at a beach near the Marriott, but she said he insists he left her there and did not hurt her.
A court hearing for the Surinamese brothers, Kalpoes, van der Sloot and van der Sloot’s father, Paul van der Sloot, a high-ranking justice official in Aruba, was postponed Saturday until Sunday because the judge was unable to make it to Aruba on Saturday from nearby Curacao.
The judge must decide whether there is sufficient cause to continue holding the four. Also in custody is a 26-year-old party boat disc jockey.
Natalee Holloway; Saturday June 25
From the Birmingham News, Teen’s father crime suspect
The father of a Dutch teen being held in Natalee Holloway’s disappearance is suspected of being an accessory to a variety of crimes ranging up to premeditated murder, Aruban authorities said Friday.
Paulus van der Sloot, 53, was arrested Thursday in the case. His 17-year-old son, Joran, has been held for more than two weeks.
The senior van der Sloot, a justice official, is suspected of three crimes, said Mariaine Croes, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor’s office. They are: complicity to premeditated murder, complicity to murder and complicity to kidnapping.
From the AP: Texas Volunteer Search Group Arrives in Aruba to Search for Missing U.S. Teen
A volunteer U.S. rescue group launched a major ground and ocean search Saturday for an Alabama teen who disappeared nearly four weeks ago while on a school trip.
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On Saturday a Judge is supposed to determine whether Aruban authorities have enough evidence to continue to hold Paul van der Sloot, father of 17-year-old Joran van der Sloot. Paul Van der Sloot is being presently held in Natalee Holloway’s disappearance is suspected of being an accessory to a variety of crimes ranging up to premeditated murder, Aruban authorities said Friday According to the AP:
Also Saturday, a judge was to decide whether to allow prosecutors to continue holding justice official Paul van der Sloot, father of 17-year-old Joran van der Sloot, the honors student from the island who is believed to be one of the last people to see 18-year-old Natalee Holloway the night she went missing
UPDATE: JUST A REMINDER …
***** Natalee Holloway Benefit *****
Benefit For
Natalee Holloway Recovery Trust
Saturday, June 25, 3–6
Featuring Live Music by
Matthew Mayfield and Will Mason of
Moses Mayfield
Spread the word if you are in the Birmingham area, you got to be there.
If you are not in the Birmingham area and can not attend this event, but still want to donate, visit this site:
AMSOUTHTRUST Natalee Holloway Trust
UPDATE: All five suspects in court today for determination on whether they will continue to be held. New Judge will determine this.
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Tuscaloosa news: More questions than answers in mystery of missing teen
Why were the youths last seen with 18-year-old Natalee Holloway left free for days after she disappeared? Why did police not search the home of the Dutch youth who was flirting with her until two weeks after she went missing? Why did Aruban officials ask the FBI to send divers, who came to the island but never searched its waters?
Criminal experts say these apparent mishaps could make it harder for Aruban investigators to crack the case, and may ultimately prevent the Holloway family from ever knowing what happened.
Attorney General Caren Janssen, the top prosecutor on the Dutch Caribbean island, refused to comment on the criticisms and potential implications, saying only that “I can’t comment on the investigation until it’s over. Investigators must be allowed to do their jobs.”
4:45 pm EDT: UPDATE
Hearings for the 5 suspects being held will be delayed until tomorrow. Fox is now reporting, that there was a problem with a flight from Curacao to Aruba, causing a delay. The hearings will be held tomorrow at 8:30 .
Natalee Holloway, Afternoon/Evening Updates
For the first time on Friday after noon the Aruban authorities have come out and stated what many have suspected but most have dreaded to think. As days and days go by as Natalee has vanished without a trace they Aruban authorities have “suggested that Natalee was murdered.”
Fox News, Aruba Authorities Detail Murder Suspicions
For the first time Friday, Aruban authorities detailed the allegations suspected of the five men being held in connection with the disappearance of Natalee Holloway and they suggested that Natalee was murdered.
Joran van der Sloot and his friends Deepak and Satish Kalpoe are being held under suspicion of murder and kidnapping as well as being an accessory to murder. A fourth man, Steve Croes, is being held under the same conditions.
The fifth man, Paul van der Sloot — the father of 17-year-old Joran — was being held on suspicion of complicity to pre-meditated murder, complicity to kidnapping and murder and kidnapping. Under the Aruban system, complicity is a lesser charge.
The charges that Paul van der Sloot is being held under seems to have changed a bit from what was reported last night. In any event, it was certainly not the news that the Holloway or Twitty families wanted to hear.
None of the men have been charged with a crime. But all are in police custody. An Aruban government spokesman confirmed the allegations.
UPDATE:
The Political Teen has video from Fox on this.
Also transcripts from last nights Scarborough Country. ‘Scarborough Country’ for June 23
7:40 pm EDT: UPDATE: Aruba Today, June 24 edition
‘Texas Search & Rescue Team Arrives’
‘Aruban Police Detain Father of Dutch Suspect’
