Assembly dawdles over complaints against judges

WITH PANAMA’S Chief Justice facing 12 of 20 complaints against members of the Supreme Court, the National Assembly deputies  responsible for investigating the complaints  appear to be sitting on their hands, raising concerns  among civil  society groups, and the general public where there is a widespread belief that the court is riddled with corruption, leading to calls  for all 10 judges to resign.

Sectors of civil society questioned on Sunday  the delay in the National Assembly’s Credentials Committee in the 20 pending cases against judges.

Carlos Lee of the Citizens Alliance for Justice, said that the Credentials Committee has not acted with diligence to investigate the allegations that are before the committee, reports  La Prensa.

Meanwhile, Annette Planells, of the Independent Movement (Movin) said deputies are failing in their roles and have a constitutional responsibility to investigate the judges.

“The delay is because this has become a political problem and not a legal issue,” she said.

Committee Chairman Jorge Ivan Arrocha said the delay is not intentional.

“We must respect fundamental rights, the law and the Constitution,” said the Panameñista deputy.

Of the 20 pending cases, one is more than four years old, while another four were presented in 2014.

Chief Justice José Ayú Prado is named in 12 of the complaints, the most of any judge.