Corruption prosecutors stymied by missing investigators

The Directorate of the  Judicial Investigation (DIJ) continues refusing to collaborate with prosecutors says  Panama’s Attorney General, Kenia Porcell who has accused the institution of disabling anti-corruption prosecutors, by removing investigators from high profile cases.

She stressed that investigations were in the hands of the prosecutors who could nor be overruled by the police.

“If the director of the IJD, and it is presumed that he knows the law, and the law is clear, says that the judicial investigators cannot separate or move, then why did he do it?”  said Porcell on TeleMetro morning news.

Porcell said she does not want to think that they are attacking  the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP), “but there are circumstances that seem like yes.” She has previously stated that investigating officers have been sent on leave although the law says they cannot take leave until the investigation is complete.

She has blamed Manuel Castillo, who was appointed to the DIJ  by the National Police, Director Jorge Mirada, DIJ. Castillo already held the same position in the government of Ricardo Martinelli, between 2012 and 2014

“I think the director of the IJD is exceeding his duties, I think he knows that he is breaking the law because the anti-corruption prosecutors informed him through notes,” she said.

Porcell said that in recent days she has revealed what is happening to the anti-corruption prosecutors, “but we know that there are other areas where there are also sensitive issues with the DIJ,” involving two senior businessmen who have been investigated.

Porcell stressed again that she will not resign from the post, which she has held since January 2015. “I do not have to do it,” she said.

He indicated that the desire of prosecutors and the MP is to continue working on their investigations. She also called for the Judicial Body to hold the hearings commenting that 70% of the cases that started since 2015 still do not have a decision. “We want to fight in law accordingly, but the MP cannot do it alone,” he said.

Porcell also referred to the recent complaints filed against her. In this regard, he said that “there is an interest of a sector.” [the complainants included members of Ricardo  Martinelli’s legal team.]

“If I check the background, they have all been processed or have links to people we have processed.” “I have not committed any crime. I have had a commitment to the country, with the MP