Stalling tactics by accused Judges lawyer
OBJECTIONS raised by the defense lawyer of Panama Supreme Court Judge Alejandro Moncada Luna, are a stalling tactic says The National Bar Association (CNA)
José Alberto Alvarez, president of the ANC, said Sunday, October 12 that Moncada Luna is in his right to present all legal remedies that the law allows, but the five legal remedies announced by defense Counsel Sidney Sitton are actions to delay the investigation by the National Assembly for unjustified enrichment.
On Wednesday 8 October, the National Assembly admitted a complaint filed the day before by the ANC and the Citizens Alliance for Justice against Moncada Luna
The complaint came after a story published in La Prensa September 30 where it was reported that Moncada Luna had bought two apartments in San Francisco, valued at $ 1.7 million.
Sitton lodged an appeal for annulment, citing violation of two constitutional guarantees of protections. He also lodged an objection against Deputies Ana Matilde Gómez and Zulay Rodriguez, who were appointed as judges of guarantees along with deputy Katleen Levy.
“Gomez misses the ethical principles of fairness. What ethics should be separated from the case and stop seeking revenge and prominence, “Sitton said.
Moncada Moon was one of the five justices who voted to convict Gomez to six months in prison [replaced for $ 4000 fine] on August 11, 2010.
Alvarez said that “every second Judge Moncada Luna remains in the post is a slap in the face for justice, an embarrassment to this country and an affront to the public that overwhelmingly calls for his departure.”
According to Alvarez, the objections against the judges of guarantees do not apply. He added that the CNA will evaluate the possibility of becoming a plaintiff in the case against Moncada Moon.
Angelica Maytín of the Panama Chapter of Transparency International said “It was expected that counsel interpose all the resources he deems appropriate. We have seen his behavior in the case of members of Democratic Change.” [Sitton has represented numerous CD deputies]