A dramatic twist marked the guarantees hearing in Chiriquí: the representative of the San Juan de San Lorenzo sector, investigated for the alleged crime of aggravated embezzlement, suffered a heart attack immediately after the judge ordered his preventive detention.
The accused, who months ago underwent open-heart surgery, collapsed after hearing the court's decision.
Personnel from 911 urgently transferred him to the Rafael Hernández Regional Hospital, where he remains under medical observation.
His defense, led by lawyer Edwin Álvarez, criticized the judicial decision, arguing that it was a person with severe cardiac history and had requested a measure different from detention.
However, the judge maintained the position of the Public Ministry, considering the severity of the crime under investigation.
The representative and the treasurer of the Local Board were subject to six months of investigation, both under preventive detention while the process continues.
