OFF THE CUFF: The persecution worm turns

OFF THE CUFF: The persecution worm turns
FORMER president Ricardo Martinelli and his shrinking coterie of supporters continue to mouth the “political persecution” mantra, when referring to the charges he faces in the Supreme Court over his alleged involvement in the corruption scandals that have cost the country $115 million and counting.
The irony is that this week the Supreme Court will start its investigation into allegations that the supposed victim of persecution ordered the illegal surveillance of his political opponents while in office.
The decision to proceed with the investigation came with a June 8 vote by the court’s judges which passed with nine votes in favor. Reserving their decisions were judges José Ayú Prado, Luis Ramón Fábrega and Secundino Mendieta, the alternate for Hernán De León.
Harry Díaz is acting as prosecutor.
Ayu Prado, Fabrega and Mendieta argued that only 2 of the 10 complaints filed against Martinelli complied with provisions of the criminal procedure code. Despite these arguments, the nine other judges voted to admit all 10 complaints.
Former Security Council officials said that Martinelli was briefed daily on the results of the surveillance, which was carried out using equipment purchased during his administration.
Records have been found of conversations that included some 150 people, including judges, opposition politicians, business leaders and journalists.