On Wednesday, Judge Oris Medina charged former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo with alleged unjust enrichment. She also legalized his apprehension but granted the defense house arrest. Carrizo's lawyers filed a declaration of unconstitutionality, seeking to alert the judge that their client is a member of the Central American Parliament (Parlacen) by right, although he has not been sworn in. He also stated that he is innocent and trusts that due process will be respected. After the recess, the judge rejected the declaration and continued with the hearing. The court will have to define the next steps while the country closely follows every move. However, in response to the judge's proposal to keep Carrizo under preventive detention, the defense showed their rejection, arguing that the Public Prosecutor's Office has no jurisdiction and that the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) should handle this legal matter. Patrols, armed agents, and a closed operation marked his entry, while expectations grew outside for the hearing scheduled for 5:00 p.m. As he got out of the vehicle, Carrizo spoke bluntly. Security Carrizo arrived this Wednesday at the headquarters of the Accusatory Penal System heavily guarded by units of the Search Block and special forces of the National Police. Carrizo will not be able to leave the country. Carrizo attended this afternoon the guarantees control hearing, after being brought in yesterday upon his arrival from Guatemala. "I come to face the consequences," he repeated to the media. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office requests his appearance for the alleged crime of unjust enrichment.
Former Panama Vice President Charged with Unjust Enrichment
A Panamanian judge charged former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo with unjust enrichment and ordered his arrest, though house arrest was granted. The defense is challenging the ruling.
