OFF THE CUFF: Justice with a stethoscope

Former Minister of the Presidency Roberto Henriquez, has followed the path of a long line of politicians and businessmen facing investigation, pleading ill health.

On Friday, May 22 he was taken to the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences to be evaluated. He was questioned on Thursday by the first anti-corruption prosecutor for alleged crimes against public administration.
The case is related to the purchase and sale of grain through the National Aid Program (PAN). At the end of the proceedings, he was released but placed under “country arrest”
Prosecutor Tania Sterling ordered Henriquez to undergo an assessment to certify he has a heart condition.
Following the completion of the assessment, he will be taken back to the prosecutor’s office for additional questioning.
The last high profile case claiming ill health was disgraced former judge Moncada Luna, now serving a five year jail sentence. His cardiologist came under fire for awarding a certificate to avoid a trial date.