Panamanian Justice in Decline Due to Odebrecht Case

On the contrary, he has settled in Colombia, squandering money stolen from the Panamanian people, funding lavish parties, and cynically commenting on the political and economic situation in Panama. Everyone knows where this individual is, but the justice system remains questionable by being complacent with those involved. Unfortunately, not the entire population understands the link between plunder and poverty. They are not only accomplices to the enormous theft of taxes and the looting of government funds committed by the accused, but they also join the chorus of those who defend the shameless phrase that their main culprit “stole, but he did.” Most citizens and observers outside Panama know that the key witness, “hard to find,” is a known fugitive from Panamanian justice and other countries like Spain. It should be noted that the crimes committed have prevented the rescue of “ranch schools” (shacks disguised as educational centers), the improvement of roads, and the construction of bridges over raging rivers. The theft of the state's economic resources hinders the strengthening of health programs and the attention to numerous public order needs. Marcelo Odebrecht agreed to expose a bribe to Ricardo Martinelli: O´Globo. By Alberto Velásquez, journalist and public relations officer. The recent decision by a court of justice to postpone a trial for “money laundering” and other crimes against a group of high-profile individuals places Panamanian justice at its lowest level of performance. Using the excuse of being unable to find one of the key witnesses in the Odebrecht case—the most serious corruption scandal to occur not only in Panama but in all of America—the justice system, sheltered by that falsehood, has become a disgrace and a laughingstock for Panamanian society. The courts not only mock the intelligence of Panamanians. That individual is not hiding in exile. Others only think about “what’s in it for me” and become victims of politicking and traditional party clientelism.