Judges confront court president on delicate situation

THE JUDGES of the Third Chamber of Panama’s Supreme Court (CSJ) have called for an “urgent” meeting with the court‘s president Alejandro Moncada Luna.

Luis Ramon Fabrega and Victor Benavides , judges of the Third Chamber, signed a note , requesting a meeting to clarify with Moncada what they regard as " a delicate situation ."

For both judges, the institutions of the Supreme Court has been affected by the October 31 decision by Moncada Luna , while they were on vacation, to annul the decision of the Electoral Tribunal (TE ) to suspend a television advertisement.
The controversial ruling signed by Moncada Luna, along with two alternates, determined that the cancellation of the TE violated the right of freedom of expression.
The decision has been met with harsh   criticism by a large number of civic groups. lawyers and others who are concerned about the ruling, saying it is an attack on the Independence of the TE and that it is threatening the 2014 elections.

For both judges, the institutionalization of the court has been affected. The decision was signed by Moncada Luna and two substitute judges as Fábrega and Benavides were on holiday when the decision was made.
Professor Miguel Antonio Bernal, a constitutional expert, says that the judges of the Court involved in the issue have to resign their positions , since they violated the Constitution of Panama ‘This cannot go unpunished” he told La Prensa.
The movement Panama Avanza, responsible for he advertisement, announced Friday, November 8, that that it was withdrawing a case before the Supreme Court.
The pro-government movement, chaired by Alfredo Prieto , who served as press secretary of state in the administration of President, Ricardo Martinelli said the statement issued by the Court, has already achieved justice in this matter.