Bill to combat impunity edging forward

A LEGAL analysis of a bill designed to combat impunity in corruption investigations is on its way to the  National Assembly.

The bill will increase the time period for investigation of major corruption crimes, and  when needed allow extra time to complete investigations

The analysis of Bill 514 which modifies the Criminal Procedure Code so that investigations of corruption crimes do not expire was made by Panama’s Attorney General, Kenia Porcell.

She argues that there is no impediment to establishing the statute of limitations on these offenses and also suggests that longer terms be adopted for investigating more serious crimes.

“Crimes against the public administration in its various forms can constitute a serious social concern and its inadequate prosecution and judgment become a multiplicity of disastrous consequences for the development of the State” warns Porcell in the note sent to the  Justice and Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Assembly on Oct.18.

Her opinion is based on an analysis of international law and jurisprudence of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Citizen Participation
Bill 514 came to the Legislative, through the Office of Citizen Participation. It is expected that this week the sub-committee in charge of analyzing the bill will deliver a final report on the viability of this proposal says PRD deputy Quibian Panay, who along with independent Ana Matilde Gómez and Raúl Pineda (PRD) make up the committee.

The document will be delivered to Carlos Santana, (Panameñista) president of the   National Assembly’s Justice and Constitutional Affairs Committee.

The National College of Lawyers (CNA) and  Administration prosecutors will also submit their opinions on the initiative promoted by Movin, the Association of Law Students of the University Santa María La Antigua (USMA) and Generation without Limits.