MEDIA WATCH : Court inaction raising terrible suspicions
hoyporhoy, La Prensa, Mar.5
THIS WEEK we witnessed the Panamanian operation of the adversarial criminal justice system, applied to two high-profile businessmen. In hearings held inside the Republic, they respected all the rights and opportunities of THE defense involved.
In contrast, the Supreme Court has demonstrated its unwillingness to move forward with the process of the Central American Parliament deputy and former president of the Republic, Ricardo Martinelli.
In Brazil, the ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was taken to render a statement on the Petrobas case and, after three hours of interrogation, he was released. In Panama, we have not had the opportunity to witness such righteous action which leaves a bad taste and raises terrible suspicions. If you can in Penonomé and Santiago, why not on the slopes of Ancon Hill? Due process involves being accountable to the courts and have the opportunity to present evidence proving the innocence of the accused. Who owes nothing fears nothing.