Martinelli defense to access intimate files

The judge of guarantees in the wiretap hearing of ex-president Ricardo Martinelli has agreed to a defense request to have access to seven booklets in the prosecution file containing sensitive or intimate information.

Judge Jerónimo Mejía, made the ruling on Thursday, Aug.2 as the case moved to the admission of evidence phase.

Mejía said he made the decision because he considers that he must “guarantee the right to defense to know the evidence and to support your objection or approval”.

But the access came with strict conditions. The judge warned that it must be strictly attached to the ethics of lawyers to “respect the dignity of the victims” and that he will not tolerate any kind of information being leaked and appearing in social media.

The prosecutor must provide the booklets on  Monday, Aug, 6 and the Judicial Office must provide a place for the defense access. They have no right to copy the files pen or pencil and notebooks. No audio, video or cell phones will be allowed.

“The defense does not have the right to know everything there may be there regarding the victims, “said Judge Mejía clarifying that it will be only a lawyer of the defense that will have access.

“They have to see it in accordance with ethical principles such as the profession demands, I do not want to see leaked information,” warned the judge.

Pencils or pens and notebook will be provided to review the material and make notes

Mejía announced a recess until Monday because Martinelli had another medical appointment on Friday, -his second this week- according to his lawyer Holland Polo.