Swift action demanded in Pegasus spy case

HUMAN RIGHTS activists and victims of illegal surveillance are calling for swift legal action to be taken against Ricardo Martinelli and others identified in the case, after the Public Ministry revealed that espionage equipment called Pegasus was based in an office of Gabriel Btesh, a member of  Martinelli’s “the zero circle”.

“Martinelli must respond to how the machine was purchased and why it was in private hands,” said PRD leader Balbina Herrera, one of the victims.

Carlos Herrera Moran, a lawyer for several victims, said Btesh must also respond to the allegations. Both men are out of the country.

Roberto Troncoso, a human rights activist, said that the facts that Btesh has not been charged and that the Pegasus equipment has gone missing is indicative of the human rights problems facing Panama.

Martinelli faces charges in the case, but he has not yet been ordered to return to Panama. Two former security officials, Gustavo Pérez and Alejandro Garuz, will be tried April 11.Both are in preventive detention.

Meanwhile commentators are comparing the speed of Brazil’s justice system with the tardiness of Panama. Marcelo Odebrecht was arrested 9 months ago, and sentenced this week to over 19 years in jail. Martinelli  fled the country in January 2015,and  failed to show in court in December. He faces hearings on multiple other charges.