New Supreme Court judge appointemnt unconstitutional say critics

President Ricardo Martinelli’s choices for high justice office continue to cause controversy in Panama.

The naming  of Harry Alberto Diaz Gonzalez as a Supreme Court Judges violates the Constitution because the attorney   has a position with authority and within the governmeny jurisdiction, and may be freely appointed and dismissed by the Executive. reports La Prensa April 21) Rubén Elías Rodríguez, president of the National Bar Association,was one of the organization leaders who on Wedneday, April 20 rejected the Cabinet Council res olution naming Diaz  to replace the scandal shrouded José Abel Almengor,who resigned   April.19

Rodriguez says  Diaz cannot be a judge because he became the Deputy Ministerof Finance during the beginning of the administration of Ricardo Martinelli.

Carlos Gasnell, executive vice president of the Foundation for the Development of Civic Freedom, said  the Government ignored the proceedings of the Covenant of State for Justice. He called on    the Executive to repeal the appointment, and convene athe special crredentials committee in which civil society could participate in the process of choosing the judges of the Court.

"After what happened (with Almengor), civil society organizations expected    an objective selection process, and the appointment of a person who would guarantee great r independence, "he said.

Former prosecutor  Mercedes Arauz de Grimaldo said reforms were made to the Constitution, regarding the judiciary, which was seeking independence for  and of the administration of justice, "but unfortunately the political class does not understand that social stability depends on its independence. "

The Minister of Labour, Alma Cortez, defended the appointment of Diaz. "He handles very well the issues of judicial administration and above all is a "person of unquestionable integrity." he said.