Martinelli linked lawyers seek suspension of top prosecutor

Panama’s fractured judicial system took another hit on Tuesday, July 23 when a group of lawyers including members of ex-president  Ricardo Martinelli’s legal team denounced  Attorney General , Kenia Porcell , l for the alleged commission of crimes of simulation punishable, against public servants and abuse of authority.  

The complaint was filed by lawyers Kevin Moncada-Luna Arjona, Shirley Castañedas, Jessica Denisse Canto and Roniel Ortiz, thee last two members of the former president Martinelli’s legal team.  

The action against Porcell follows her  accusing the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) of dismantling anti-corruption prosecutors, by removing investigators.  

The lawyer Moncada-Luna described described Porcell’s statements as “strong, reckless and false”.  

“We are of the criterion that the actions deployed by the attorney have generated unnecessary concern in society, since they have simulated punishable acts where there are none, and has alarmed the country using its position of MP chief official,” the complaint states.  

He  added that they are  also denouncing the fact that members of the DIJ “were denied access to their workplace.” 

The group  asked for the provisional separation of the office of the attorney general – “as she in the position could use her power to hinder the investigations”. 

As evidence,  newspapers were presented and the statement of the Ministry of Public Security reacting to the issue.