OPINION: Judicial  corruption moving Panama to failed state

There are many problems facing the country, but some of them require urgent solutions. Every day that passes we dangerously approach a state of failed justice. It is clear that without impartial judges – that is, not responding to political criteria or corruption – the country is playing something much more important than releasing a criminal. Their rigged sentences can harm the economy, the image of the country,  reduce the attraction of foreign investments, encourage entry into sanctioning lists, alter social peace and governance. Even national security can be affected. It is not small or a side issue. The only thing that organized crime, government corruption, drug trafficking, and even a common criminal need is for judges to sell or do favors of any kind.

That is enough to put the country on its knees. And the Government must understand that its responsibility is that justice does not collapse. And it has responsibility for it because it appoints magistrates, because its politicians put their hands and feet in justice, because in their ranks drug trafficking moves at ease, even under political and legal protection. Looking the other way is just allowing the expansion of the borders of crime to levels still unsuspected.

 If now the Government does not do something, we will end up with a failed State. Just see what happens in Venezuela. because in its ranks the drug traffic moves at ease, even under political and legal protection. Looking the other way is just allowing the expansion of the borders of crime to levels still unsuspected.- LA PRENSA, Aug 19.