Courts Begin the Process to Choose Replacements for Magistrates Hernández and Vargas Recently Dismissed
The full Supreme Court ordered the dismissal of both magistrates amid an administrative investigation into alleged irregularities in the assignment of hearings to judges and magistrates.
Magistrates Adrián Hernández and Justo Vargas of the Panama First Judicial District Superior Court of Appeals were dismissed following administrative investigations for allegedly manipulating the judicial system. The probe uncovered irregularities in how they handled case assignments, specifically requesting to preside over targeted hearings in sensitive, high-profile cases.
The Supreme Court of Justice of Panama initiated an audit of the Accusatory Penal System’s scheduling offices after discovering these anomalies. Following the initial decision to revoke their appointments and subsequent rejection of their motions for reconsideration, their departures were finalized. The Court is now moving forward with the selection process for their permanent replacements.
