Judge rejects Martinelli “delaying tactic” rebukes defense

Once again, a guarantee judge rejected a request from the defense of ex-president Ricardo Martinelli, this time the official denied it outright as inadmissible, described it as a   delaying tactic, and also called attention to the defenders.

The ruling came on Friday, June 18, during a hearing on the violation of rights requested by Alma Cortés, Martinelli’s defender.

This would not be the first time that a statute of limitations has been alleged, this type of request has been made at least four times and all have been rejected.

Martinelli’s lawyers will file an Amparo, but the start date of the trial remains for June 22.

The plaintiff lawyers also described this appeal by Martinelli’s defense as a delaying strategy for the trial, considering that it should be sanctioned.

The plaintiff attorney Carlos Herrera Delegado indicated that the plenary session of the Supreme Court of Justice would not have the capacity to review anything in this case, except that it is a protection of guarantees. “But from now on I tell you, there is nothing that makes it impossible to start the trial.”

On May 28, Judge Elkis Martínez rejected for the second time the request for the prescription of the criminal action requested by Martinelli’s defense in relation to the puncture case, explaining that the time had not yet reached its end, however, the decision was appealed by the defense. On June 4, the Superior Court of Appeals rejected that appeal. 

On November 20, the Court of Appeals annulled the “not guilty” ruling against former President Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014). From now on, the ex-president will have to face a second trial for the “punctures” case.

Martinelli was declared “not guilty” of the crimes of interception of telecommunications without judicial authorization (4 years in prison), monitoring and surveillance without judicial authorization (4 years), embezzlement for theft (10 years) and embezzlement of use (3 years ).