Land scandal reports a cowardly political attack: Papadimitriu

Panama’s Minister of the Presidency, Demetrio Papadimitriu, reacted quickly on Wednesday, October 19, to published reports linking his family with allegations of massive land grab frauds in Juan Hombrón.

He called media to a press conference in the Hotel Mirimar where he described reports in La Prensa linking his parents with land titling in the area as  a "cowardly political attack"

He also denied that Anabelle Villamonte, the former director of the National Qualifications Authority of Land management (Anati), had worked in a family business.
"It's a lie" he replied  when asked about the Villamonte’s working history as a lawyer with  a company connected with the Papadimitriu family.
Meanwhile La Prensa reported Thursday, October 20, that Vice President, Juan Carlos Varela, told the newspaper that the publication of the stories have left the nation shocked.

 "Given the seriousness of the case, I ask the government to tell the truth and to clarify these titling qualifications, and if [those involved] are found guilty  they suffer the weight of the law …", said Varela.
Also on Wednesday, the nation’s comptroller, Gioconda de Bianchini, said officials  had already  begun the research and  an audit of Anati had been underway since October 12.

President Martinelli has also called for a full inquiry.