Transparency in high-profile trials sends a message

The Judicial Branch accepted a request from many Panamanians interested in following the details of the most important corruption trial in Panama so far this century, in which three different administrations are involved, although only two are on the bench, including two former presidents. It is satisfactory that this trial is broadcast and its signal can be shared by the media interested in knowing the details of how, in a sustained manner, public works contracts were offered in exchange for bribes in the millions. Not only because it guarantees transparency for all the accused, but also because of the fact that judicial hearings are not held behind the scenes and, especially, because each citizen will have the opportunity to forge their own opinion without the intervention of intermediaries. Just like this one, the same should be done with other high-profile cases, so that we all have access to these processes that are so important for the future of the country, since much more than a conviction is at stake here. Transparency will send the right message to many of our officials, even though some may prefer these processes not to be in the public domain for obvious reasons. Hopefully every time an official is accused of corruption, the trial will be made public, like this time. since much more than a conviction is at stake here. – LA PRENSA, Jul. 16.