Intimidation, threats, harrassment of prosecutors, judges

PANAMA’S  independent political group “The Independent  Movement for Panama” (Movin) is deeply concerned about the “constant intimidation, threats and public harassment” suffered by prosecutors and judges involved in anti- corruption processes.

In a statement issued Monday, March, 21 Movin, urges them not to give up their duty “or one inch”.

“There is no doubt that such threats are aimed at preventing the fundamental exercise of our institutions of justice, in pursuit of unacceptable behavior and to punish those responsible,” Movin said.

“The democratic challenge of Panama in this five-year period is to overcome impunity and install  justice and institutional control to generate public confidence,” he added.
Last week, Attorney General Kenia Porcell, reported that in the last two years processes have been started against  294 people, including individuals, government suppliers, former officials of the past government and  some members of the current management- for  possible  crimes against public administration.
These cases, together, would have caused injury to the State assets estimated at $670 million. So far, goods worth  $120 million have been seized.

Supporters of the Ricardo Martinelli administration, Martinelli himself,  his spokesman and the Martinelli owned media have voiced  a constant  mantra of “political persecution” and defense teams have tried to block moves to bring leading alleged perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile a small team of anti-corruption prosecutors have been working around the clock to move inquiries forward.