Panama’s Odebrecht Trial Enters its Third Day
Wednesday morning was slow and uneventful at the Supreme Court. The hearing went into recess at noon, just as the reading of the indictment was finishing. With that formality out of the way, the process takes a different turn. The formalities are left behind, and what really matters begins: the presentation of evidence. Now each side begins to defend its version. The Public Prosecutor’s Office aims to prove the responsibility of the accused for the alleged money laundering, linked to millions of dollars in bribes that Odebrecht admitted to having paid in Panama.
The defense maintains its position. They insist that those called to trial are innocent and that the evidence presented is unfounded. One of the points that has once again generated tension is that of the Brazilian witnesses. Defense lawyers reiterated that their testimonies should be excluded from the proceedings. There are pending appeals before the Court that will continue to insist on the annulment of those declarations.
They explained that, in addition to the documentary and expert evidence already submitted, the defense is preparing to present extraordinary evidence, provided the judge authorizes it. With the reading of the indictment concluded, the trial enters its most critical phase. Now, the court will assess which evidence is admissible and which is not, before reaching the closing arguments. The process is not yet closed. This Thursday is the last day of hearings this week. There will be no session on Friday.
