Al Capone jibe aimed at la Prensa founder

A government legislator referred to La Prensa founder  Roberto Eisenmann  as an Al Capone and tax evader during a violent verbal attack in the Panama National Assembly, on Tuesday, April 2.

Molerina  deputy  Miguel Fanovich’s outburst was sparked after the publication of a report in La Prensa which revealed a series of negotiations to provide payments from the National Aid Program to government legislators.  

"I am not Al Capone or a tax evader like Eisenmann," said the pro-government deputy.

"I am transparent,, my house is the same one that I had 30 years ago, my bank accounts have not been flooded," Fanovich said  before continuing to attack Eisenmann, saying that the businessman should be audited.

The former legislator  who jumped ship from the Panamenista opposition party to the pro government Molerina party said: "We have seen the media used to destroy the honor of Panamanians. We have seen how they have attacked President [Ricardo Martinelli], but they are not the ones who should be throwing stones, because they have eaten steak."

He said that Eisenmann and many other entrepreneurs have  stimulated Panama's economic growth, but with a poor distribution of wealth. However, he said that there are good businessmen who have a social conscience, but that  "I am not going to allow damage to the honor of this humble servant."

A  boat reputedly  once  owned by the real  Al Capone rests in the water off the Amador Causeway.