Civil group demands justice action by Varela

PANAMA’S  chief justice Ayu Prado must stand down according to the Code of Judicial Ethics  says the Independent Movement for Panama (Movin) in a strongly worded letter to President Juan Carlos Varela  on Tuesday, October 6.

The group also says the appointment of three judges of the Supreme Court (CSJ) must be done  with  a selection process to ensure the “integrity, expertise and full independence” demanded by the job, and a “prior and exhaustive” public scrutiny.

advocates securing  funds for the judiciary, the Public Ministry, the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Defender’s Office and the Law School, to meet the research and successfully implement the accusatory penal system (SPA).

Movin  also calls for more  civil society organizations to  participate in the State Commission for Justice. The idea came after the  State Commission, for Justice was reactivated after five years of suspension. “You could consider giving the covenant the force and effect which it lacks today and be more inclusive with regard to citizen participation,” says  the letter to Varela.

The next meeting of the Commission for Justice is scheduled for October 14. On that day, the representatives of the Executive have undertaken to provide on that day to provide the mechanism for the selection of judges  and alternates.
“There are times like those we are facing we  actually need our rulers to provide  sustainable development and rise above their daily responsibilities, to build the road that allows equality before the law and that  speedy and effective justice concepts are not alienated from the life of citizens, ” the letter concludes.