The existence of new elements which demonstrate the illegality of the request for extradition against Ricardo Martinelli was revealed by the defense team of the former President.
His lawyer, Rogelio Cruz, made reference to violations to the Constitution and international conventions, however, to be more specific, he said there is an open contradiction to article 546 of the Criminal Code procedure, which reads about the requirements for submitting an application for extradition.
Mr. Cruz explained that among the requirements there is a judicial hearing to comply with the protocols of an extradition process.
The request for extradition against Martinelli is based on the case of the telephone espionage reports, process harshly questioned since a writing of accusation was presented without filing of charges.
Article 546, in its paragraph 2, reads that when it comes to a defendant, a copy of the decision of the judge or of the arrest warrant must be submitted.
In the phone wiretapping case, the hearings that have been held have been only to validate proofs.
This shows that a resolution in firm that limits the body freedom of the former President is nonexistent.
Precisely, in the press conference, a statement by President Juan Carlos Varela was echoed who questioned the fact that Martinelli was in the football game between Panama and Argentina at the America's Cup.
'This hurts Juan Carlos Varela, that Martinelli was applauded in the United States', said Alejandro Pérez, part of the defense of the former President.
'Bitterness is bad', said Mr. Perez, while reporting the use of State institutions to prosecute the lawyers of Martinelli.
His argument was supported by lawyer Alma Cortez, who coordinates the defense of the former President.
Ms. Cortes said that institutions such as the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Comptroller's Office and the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI) have been enabled to prosecute lawyers of the defense of Ricardo Martinelli.
She said that the most recent fact was the opening of criminal proceedings against her by the Public Prosecutor, which she learned about through a press media.
The lawyer said that these processes are put together as a pressure mechanism due to the position of lawyers to continue with the defense of Mr. Martinelli.
Sídney Sittón, one of the lawyers of Mr. Martinelli, said that there is a demand before the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) against the Panamanian State on this issue.
A proceeding file has been put together at the DGI against Mr. Sitton.
