President launches personal attack on journalist

PRESIDENT Ricardo Martinelli on Monday May 20 launched yet another personal attack against a journalist,  May 20 using this time the social network Twitter.

His latest target is La Prensa journalist Santiago Cumbrera.The attack took place after Cumbrera published an article titled "Hydroelectric power: a power business" that revealed that Super 99 employees, relatives and friends of President Martinelli are in societies that manage hydroelectric concessions.

On the social network, Martinelli accused Cumbrera of sexually harassing women at his former employer, Epasa.
Simon Bolivar Alemén, president of the Forum of Journalists, said the actions of Martinelli "represent an act of intimidation."
"[Martinelli] has a very sneaky way of bullying before presenting the evidence. However the only beneficiary in this fight is Cumbera, Martinelli has elevated the journalist to his level," he said.
Opposition Legislator José Isabel Blandón wrote on Twitter that "freedom of expression is fundamental for democracy."
Cumbera was also supported by Panameñista presidential candidate Juan Carlos Varela, who said the journalist's work "speaks for itself in its commitment, seriousness and honesty."
Cumbera responded that it was clear why he left Epasa, and made his letter of resignation public. He resigned shortly after the company was sold to interests connected to Martinelli says La Prensa