The statements made by the former chief of intelligence of the Security Council, Ronny Rodriguez could constitute a criminal complaint before the Public Ministry against officials indicated for committing the psychological torture aimed at building the telephone tapping case.
Thus reacted Cristóbal Arboleda, lawyer of Alejandro Garuz, one of the suspects in this case.
Arboleda said that these statements, published by the daily Panamá América and Crítica, show the existence of violations of the criminal code on the part of government officials who have been identified through these revelations.
Arboleda also said that it is an open secret that from the very beginning the defense lawyers have denounced the existence of "a plotted record aiming to harm the former President Ricardo Martinelli and Mr. Alejandro Garuz just for being related to the former President".
Ronny Rodríguez, in a document bearing his signature and fingerprints on each transcribed sheet, indicates that Rolando López, former chief of the Security Council, offered him a position as a diplomat in Washington, United States, if he declared against the former President Ricardo Martinelli.
Similarly, he pointed out, that after declining the offer. He was subjected to psychological torture and threats that forced him to hide.
In his statement, Rodriguez not only mentions Lopez, but also makes reference to Alexis Bethancourt and Omar Pinzón, Minister of Security and Director of the National Police, respectively.
"The public servant who uses promises or gifts so that a person declares against another, or simulates the commission of a punishable offense is a crime," said Arboleda.
For this reason, the lawyer said that for today, Wednesday, the lawyers of the parties accused in this process will analyze the actions to be taken, bearing into account that in addition to the criminal charges lies the fact that with these statements, there are clear indications that this legal file is void.
Proofs
Alejandro Pérez, lawyer of Ronny Rodríguez, indicated that he will submit a request before the 16th Law Court, in charge of this case, so that Ronny Rodríguez´ statements are appended as evidence to the nullification of the process.
However, Arboleda recognizes that the annulments will not be submitted immediately since the telephone tapping case stays at the Second Higher Court of Justice awaiting resolution to resources of appeal for the examination of evidence in the process that continues through the ordinary procedure.
Meanwhile, the special process against the former President Ricardo Martinelli also remains detained pending for the extradition application to be resolved.
"From the beginning it was learned that a file had been plotted amidst pressure, threats, blackmail and offers to government officials of the Security Council and of the National Police," said Arboleda.
