The defense of former President Ricardo Martinelli in the Odebrecht case, on the seventh day of hearings, called for the process to continue without interruptions and with respect to the principle of immediacy. Attorney Carlos Carrillo stated that this would allow this stage to be closed and to move on to the practice of the already admitted evidence, both ordinary and extraordinary, including documentary and testimonial evidence requested by several defenses. The lawyer detailed that after this phase is overcome, the witness calendar will be set. The Prosecutor's Office will testify first, followed by the defenses. Carrillo also commented on the dual role of Judge Marquínez in the Odebrecht and Fishery cases, calling it an 'unfortunate administrative decision' made last July when a judge ad honorem was appointed. Carrillo also maintained that the process has been marked by unforeseen situations since Martinelli's arrival in Panama, recalling that he was extradited for a single case and then included in two other cases. Regarding the New Business case, the lawyer stated that his client was not allowed to re-question, which —he said— affects the guarantees of due process.
