No audit for judge who released 25 drug trafficking suspects

PANAMA’S Chief Justice José Ayú Prado has  not ordered an audit of  a judge under, investigation for ordering the release of 25 people charged with drug trafficking.

Fourth Circuit Court Judge Yoideth Chirú is being   investigated by the Second Superior Court and Ayu Prado says his decision will not affect the hearing.

He  said that he respects the judicial independence of all magistrates and judges, and that is why he is not getting involved in the case.

He said that there needs to be a “presumption of innocence, the right to due process and the right to defense, among the many other fundamental guarantees referred to clearly in the constitution, international conventions and the law, reports La Prensa

He also said  that he sent a letter about his decision to the Public Prosecutor’s Office as a form of transparency and accountability.

He said he didn’t provide a copy to the media to avoid jeopardizing the presumption of innocence.