Former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo appeared this Tuesday at the Court of Appeals, located in Plaza Fortuna. He arrived escorted by GP and Linces units, without saying a single word and avoiding the cameras. His lawyer, Pedro Meilán, stated that there is no risk of escape. The lawyer recalled that Carrizo presented himself voluntarily when he was required and even notified that he was returning to the country. According to the defense, he has registered entries and exits and always returned to Panama. The defense also argued that the only strong evidence the Prosecutor's Office has is an audit with alleged inconsistencies. Nothing like other times when he spoke face-to-face and defended his innocence. The Public Ministry is requesting that his measure be changed and that he go from house arrest to preventive detention. This detail could come to light in the hearing if the Public Ministry uses it as an argument to toughen the measure. For now, the Prosecutor's Office wants preventive prison. The defense insists that there is no danger of escape or solid elements to imprison him. We will have to wait for what the Court decides. The defense ensures that everything has backing and bank traceability. Amid the noise, a photo of the former vice president on a beach has also circulated. They talk about credit lines, apartment payments, interests, agricultural activities, and even family donations.
