Ex employee blames company owner for La Prensa blockade

A former employee of the Transcaribe Trading SA (TCT), in a sworn statement before the Public Ministry (MP) last week, said it was David Ochy, one of the owners of the company, who gave the order to blockade  La Prensa and El Diario on August.

According to the witness, who asked that his name not be revealed for security reasons.  he has  received threatening calls to his cell and indirect  intimidating messages.

The threats against the witness have been brought  to the attention of the MP.

The Attorney General's Jose Ayu Prado, is conducting an investigation into the blockade  of Corprensa, and has charged five TCT drivers for alleged crimes against liberty.

La Prensa reports it has  repeatedly  called the cell phone of David Ochy sent  him a questionnaire but at press time there had been no answer..

The blockade took place after publication of articles headed: "Business behind land invasion", "Banana farms, big business with Baru land" and "Land Titling in Baru, Chiriqui, the business behind the conflict" a historical account of land titling in the banana zone of Baru, based on testimony from several sources, including the manager of AST Panaplátanos Baruand farmers in the area.

David Ochy and his brother Daniel have launched a $7 million civil suit against La Prensa.