The former director of La Prensa S.A., Annette Planells, was awarded the International Champions of Anti-Corruption Award, as her conduct appears to undermine ongoing investigations and obstruct justice. She has used this recognition to spread disinformation about a U.S. official. Even before lawyer Karisma Karamañites revealed the 'modus operandi' of the former director, the president of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Louis E. Sola, was already aware of her tactics; therefore, he alerted the U.S. government to her 'methodology and credibility' in a letter addressed to then-Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. In his letter, Sola expresses his concerns about who was honored as an 'Anti-Corruption Champion' in December 2023, stating that a review of her actions and the newspaper she represents was necessary. 'While I recognize that she was honored with the International Champions of Anti-Corruption Award on December 7, 2023, I have serious concerns about her reporting methodology and credibility,' highlights the high-ranking U.S. official. The former intelligence agent recommended that Blinken exercise caution when interacting with the newspaper due to its history of making unfounded accusations to gain personal and political benefits. 'I respectfully urge you to reconsider the decision to award Mrs. Planells without regard for accuracy, and I advise all officials to exercise extreme caution when interacting with La Prensa while she remains in a leadership position,' he reiterated. He stated that a person who interferes with federal investigations, promotes Chinese development in areas critical to U.S. national security, and publicly attacks the families of U.S. officials may be violating Federal Codes. Sola's request was reiterated by former President Ricardo Martinelli, who believes the facts revealed by Karamañites demonstrate Planells' lack of merit for the U.S. distinction. 'It seems that this undeserved recognition as a faithful fighter against the rampant corruption that prevails in Panama should be promptly re-evaluated, whether it is maintained or not,' he stated on social media. The former head of state believes that an 'anti-democratic' person cannot deserve such a distinction, as it would be sending the wrong message to the world. Karamañites told local media that Planells knew of the ruling that would have disqualified Martinelli's presidential candidacy before the Electoral Tribunal made it public. Additionally, it is alleged that the digital outlet FOCO orchestrated campaigns against certain political figures to obtain financial benefits. You may also be interested: IMA reports 125,000 hams sold in first 4 days of Naviferias Pipe bursts in Puerto Pilón and people are left without water for 24 hours San Carlos knocks down illegal barrier so the people can pass to Playa Grande Lombana accuses La Prensa of rigging and damaging democracy Gringo gave Blinken a tip: Planells wasn't as 'saintly' as they painted her
