According to the guild, chaired by Maritza Cedeño, these actions not only lack legal basis, but also compromise the validity of evidence, violate due process, and put ongoing investigations at risk. Additionally, the Foundation for the Development of Citizen Freedom warned that the intervention of the Comptroller's Office prevented the completion of a crucial interview by prosecutors, which directly affected the course of the criminal investigation. They also clarified the importance of the Comptroller's Office experts, as auxiliaries of justice, to collaborate with truth and transparency without obstructing judicial processes. Similarly, the Ibero-American Association of Public Ministries (AIAMP) stated that these facts affect the autonomy and independence of the Public Prosecutor's Office in the search for truth, 'under the principle of objectivity, and the clarification of facts that may constitute crimes.' They also recalled that according to the Lisbon Declaration of October 11, 2016, 'the autonomy of the Public Prosecutor's Office in relation to the legislative and executive powers constitutes a guarantee for the equality of citizens before the law, the independence of the courts, and the credibility of the justice system.' The Comptroller's Office rejected having interfered in the Public Prosecutor's Office's proceedings and assured that the presence of Comptroller Anel Flores in the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office responded solely to the need to learn the situation of institution auditors who were being interviewed. In a statement issued on April 10, the entity stated that neither the comptroller nor officials from the institution 'have barged in' on ongoing investigations against the former Vice President of the Republic, Gabriel Carrizo, for the crime of unjustified enrichment. According to the Comptroller's Office, the comptroller's visit occurred after forensic auditors remained for more than eight hours being interviewed, which—indicated—generated concern about the scope and manner of the proceedings. In the statement, the Comptroller's Office reiterated its willingness to collaborate with all state entities and advocated for inter-institutional coordination that strengthens institutions and citizen confidence. The entity's reaction comes after different sectors spoke out about the actions of Comptroller's Office officials during an interview process with auditors. The fact was evidenced in a video that circulated on social media, showing Flores' presence on the fourth floor of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. Images of the arrival of Comptroller Anel Flores at one of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Offices circulated on social networks, where he interrupted an interview with auditors involved in the case of José Gabriel Carrizo, former Vice President of Panama. Images from this Friday, April 10, of the Comptroller leaving a meeting with communicators in a shopping center in the capital. Photos: Anel Asprilla.
