MARTINELLI TRIAL: Prosecutor confident of proof

The Public Ministry (MP) presented, 23 of 47 evidence files by the end of the fourth day of the trial of the former President Ricardo Martinelli, for alleged illegal wiretapping and embezzlement.

Among messages read out on Tuesday, March 26.today were are those of two officials of the National Security Council, prosecutor Ricaurte González said. 

These collaborators indicated “clearly” that days after the May 2014 elections, a piece of furniture[Israeli made  surveilllance equipment]was removed from building No. 150 of the National Security Council, where computer equipment, servers, and others were installed and carried to the facilities of the Super 99 [property of the Martinelli family] in Monte Oscuro. 

Among the documentary evidence, which was accepted by the Oral Trial Court, there are ocular inspections of two computers obtained in a search of the house of Gustavo Pérez, who held the position of director of the National Police and director of the Security Council during the Martinelli government.

Other tests are related to inspections of the National Immigration Service and the Miramar hotel that certify the presence of Israelis in Panama.

The hearing began at 9:00 a.m. and ended after 12:30 p.m. because at 1:30 p.m. Martinelli had to attend a control hearing in another case where he is a plaintiff.  

“Today has been a profitable day in reading documents,” said the prosecutor Gonzalez. González was confident that the MP will be able to establish that the accused has a perfect connection with the facts indicated.  

He hopes the reading of the 47 pieces of evidence will culminate. Wednesday.

He reiterated that the trial court granted seven days to the parties to examine the seven booklets containing information intercepted from the victims.  

Gonzalez said there are four Martinelli lawyers who will have access to the booklets. He warned that this material “cannot be revealed … they have to be treated in a professional manner and the MP, as custodian, will make that respect.” 

The review will be carried out after the presentation of the MP’s documentary evidence. The review process will take place at the premises of the Second Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, in the Avesa building, during office hours.