PAN SCANDAL: SUPREME COURT RULES MARTINELLI TO FACE MUSIC

EX-PRESIDENT Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014) must answer for alleged irregularities in procurement by the National Assistance Program (PAN) committed during his tenure.

Panama’s full Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) in extraordinary session decided unanimously, on Wednesday, January 28 to admit a criminal complaint laid by, economist and former independent candidate, Juan Jované.
Judge Oyden Ortega, wasrapporteur of the ruling that favored the admission of the complaint. And e Judge Jerome Mejia acted as collateral.
The former president of Panama was in Guatemala to participate in regular meetings of the Central American Parliament (Parlacen).
After arriving in the morning to Guatemala, he consulted on their immunities and privileges.
On Tuesday, the judges were summoned to an extraordinary plenary session convened Wednesday at 200 pm, exclusively to deal with the complaint submitted by Jované. Sources in the judicial organ reported to La Prensa that the nine principal judges participated.
On January 7, the economist filed the action alleging that the former director of the PAN, Giacomo Tamburrelli said in his statement that the former president ordered to approve the purchase of up to $45 million of dehydrated food.
A week later, the Second Anticorruption Prosecutor in charge of the investigation, sent acertified copy of the first 22 volumes of the record.
Martinelli will be investigated under the procedures dictated by the accusatory penal system.
The Electoral Court has yet to decide whether to lift the electoral immunity enjoyed by Martinelli, in their capacity as president and legal representative of the Democratic Change (CD). Party.
Tamburrelli, was secretary general of this group.
Tamburrelli and Rafael Guardia Jaén, who also directed the government entity under Martinelli. are under precautionary measures: Tamburrelli is under house arrest and Guardia Jaén is under detention in La Gran Joya. Both have claimed they acted in multi-million dollar scams on orders from Martinelli. Both have asked for protection for themselves and their families after receiving threats. Guardia Jaén received a note in jail saying there was a price on his head, and Tamburelli moved family members out of the country following threats. Meanwhile more criminal complaints have been lodged against Martinelli over the National Security spying operation during his tenure.