Changing Law Protecting Cops Hasnt Crossed Presidents Mind

A CONTROVERSIAL law that allows police to continuing serving with full pay without detention while being charged or prosecuted for a crime will not be repealed.

The word came from President Ricardo Martinelli on Monday, November 4. who said the repeal of the law “Never crossed my mind.”

There had been an outcry for the repeal of the law when two police were charged with murder after the killing in San Carlos of two children, one aged 2 and the other 15
Law 74 was introduced under Martinelli’s watch on October 29, 2010 related to the process that is followed by members of the security forces after the commission of a crime.
The Act provides that no order the detention or suspension from public office for the duration of the process, when a member of the security forces is the defendant , accused , charged or prosecuted for the alleged commission of a crime carried out on active service or duty.
The criticisms of civil society organizations, calling for the repeal of the rule, emerged after the San Carlos incident at a police check point.
There have been multiple other incidents involving violent deaths at the hands of police and an incident in a detention center where police looked on as five teenagers screamed for help. The police were filmed by TV crews calling out “burn burn” In another incident early this year a young indigenous man was allegedly beaten to death by police wearing ski masks, and during demonstrations in Colon three people were killed including a nine year old and a woman returning home . Prosecutors laid no charges .
Speaking of the San Carlos deaths the president said that you "cannot blame the whole police " and says La Prensa he asked the public for a vote of confidence in the members of the National Police.
"I think safety has improved a lot, so let's give a vote of confidence to  the police."