Iron prosecutor and justice under pressure

While forecasts of economic growth filled the front page of La Prensa on the first day of the New Year,  La Estrella focused on a darker side of the country’s persona, – the justice system

The 11% growth rate. building  the tallest skyscrapers in the region and receiving most recognition from  multinationals are sure signs  the country is advancing  says the country’s oldest newspaper “but on the other side of the stage things cannot get worse: justice vanishes under pressure and, critics say there are no traces of  independence and separation of powers..

“There exists no better proof than the appointment and ratification of Ana Belfon Vejas in the Public Ministry (MP). Her appointment (as Attorney General) has turned the spotlight on the permanent scandal of weak justice.

“The 'iron prosecutor, as she was called during the dictatorship, for her alleged proximity to Manuel Antonio Noriega, became Attorney General  after three years working for President Ricardo Martinelli as his legal advisor in the Palace of the Herons.

“So some believe that the assumption of Belfon’s new post on January 2 will mark a before and after in the political life of these years. It is on the threshold of a pre-election period, and the government intends to go all for continuity, as  outlined in its plan as portrayed in a diplomatic cable from the U.S. Embassy leaked by WikiLeaks, and will not  overlook 'persecution 'of hpolitical enemies.

“ 'The mission is to suppress the freedoms and soon we will find', Miguel Antonio Bernal said on the local television station TVN.

“Belfon inherits  cases against media figures and groups opposed to the government of Martinelli, and the shadow of closeness to the executive branch left by Jose Ayu Prado.

“The list begins with the complaint filed Friday by the Democratic Change advisor for publishing 'false news' about the case of Pacific Financial,  the account High Spirit and the president.

“Politically more: She will follow Balbina Herrera (whom Belfon herself sued for allegedly leaked emails between Martinelli and Valter Lavitola on Finmeccanica's business), with  Roberto Eisenmann of La Prensa  and Mariano Mena, spokesman of the Front for Democracy,.

“The new prosecutor, however, argues that its management will not be one of repression or special considerations for anyone. 'There will be no persecution or high-profile cases .. .all Panamanians are equal', she said..

“Eisenmann replied that  Martinelli– -wanted to  'vacate the Attorney General to put his personal representative' there rather than promote Jose Ayu Prado as a judge of the Supreme Court.

“Eisenmann who is being investigated, by the MP for allegedly falsifying documents about his business, Coronado Golf Resort, and donating a four-wheel vehicle to   the Ngäbe leadership, was warned of an official plan to stop him.

“ 'A  presidency consultant named Attorney  General creates a greater risk of persecution of political opponents and social leaders', says the Citizens Civil Alliance for Justice.

“The Belfon case and its projection in the political future of the country has put into perspective the need to fulfill the Covenant of State for Justice, signed by the official sphere and political parties, including those ruling today.

“It proposes a reform of the way of choosing the Attorney's Office, to make it less dependent on political power.

“'While the administration of justice continues kidnapped by  political the manipulation of justice, with impunity and insecurity will continue’  “ adds the Citizens Alliance for Justice.

While forecasts of economic growth filled the front page of La Prensa on the first day of the New Year, La Estrella focused on a darker side of the country’s persona, – the justice system
The 11% growth rate. building the tallest skyscrapers in the region and receiving most recognition from multinationals are sure signs the country is advancing says the country’s oldest newspaper “but on the other side of the stage things cannot get worse: justice vanishes under pressure and, critics say there are no traces of independence and separation of powers..
“There exists no better proof than the appointment and ratification of Ana Belfon Vejas in the Public Ministry (MP). Her appointment (as Attorney General) has turned the spotlight on the permanent scandal of weak justice.
“The 'iron prosecutor, as she was called during the dictatorship, for her alleged proximity to Manuel Antonio Noriega, became Attorney General after three years working for President Ricardo Martinelli as his legal advisor in the Palace of the Herons.
“So some believe that the assumption of Belfon’s new post on January 2 will mark a before and after in the political life of these years. It is on the threshold of a pre-election period, and the government intends to go all for continuity, as outlined in its plan as portrayed in a diplomatic cable from the U.S. Embassy leaked by WikiLeaks, and will not overlook 'persecution 'of h political enemies.
“ 'The mission is to suppress the freedoms and soon we will find', Miguel Antonio Bernal said on the local television station TVN.
“Belfon will inherits cases against media figures and groups opposed to the government of Martinelli, and the shadow of closeness to the executive branch left by Jose Ayu Prado.
“The list begins with the complaint filed Friday by the Democratic Change advisor for publishing 'false news' about the case of Pacific Financial Pa, the account High Spirit and the president.
“Politically more: She will follow Balbina Herrera (whom Belfon herself sued for allegedly leaked emails between Martinelli and Valter Lavitola on Finmeccanica's business), with Roberto Eisenmann of La Prensa and Mariano Mena, spokesman of the Front for Democracy,.
“The new prosecutor, however, argues that her management will not be one of repression or special considerations for anyone. 'There will be no persecution or high-profile cases … all Panamanians are equal', she said..
“Eisenmann replied that Martinelli– -wanted to 'vacate the Attorney General to put his personal representative there rather than promote Jose Ayu Prado as a judge of the Supreme Court.'
“Eisenmann who is being investigated, by the MP for allegedly falsifying documents about his business, Coronado Golf Resort, and donating a four-wheel vehicle to Ngäbe leadership, was warned of an official plan to stop him.
“ 'A presidency consultant named Attorney General creates a greater risk of persecution of political opponents and social leaders', says the Citizens Civil Alliance for Justice.
“The Belfon case and its projection in the political future of the country has put into perspective the need to fulfill the Covenant of State for Justice, signed by the official sphere and political parties, including those ruling today.
“It proposes a reform of the way of choosing the Attorney's Office, to make it less dependent on political power.
“'While the administration of justice continues kidnapped by political the manipulation of justice, with impunity and insecurity will continue’ “ adds the Citizens Alliance for Justice.