Statements by lawyer Karisma Karamañites regarding alleged leaks of judicial decisions have once again brought the transparency of the Panamanian justice system into sharp focus. This is particularly due to the allegation that the former director of the newspaper La Prensa, Annette Planells, was aware of rulings before they were formally notified to the parties involved. Criminal lawyer Guillermina McDonald commented on this issue, stating that such cases are not new and that for years, lawyers in the country have expressed dissatisfaction with how La Prensa handles information. They point out that the newspaper publishes decisions of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and judicial rulings before the lawyers themselves have official knowledge of them. McDonald recalled that La Prensa was aware of decisions before the lawyers were notified, which generated repeated complaints within the legal profession. He stated that the complaint filed has cast doubt on the credibility of that individual and the groups he claimed to represent, emphasizing that there has been no election process that would grant them legitimacy to speak on behalf of civil society. Lawyer Basilio González, in turn, stated that Panama, on the contrary, has served as an inspiration to many people and that what happened should be seen as an opportunity to restore justice and correct practices that have tarnished its image. González questioned the impact these allegations have had on the country's image and rejected the notion that Panama should be represented by a single person or certain groups. González pointed out that the US ambassador himself, Kevin Marino Cabrera, had described as questionable the person who received an award during President Joe Biden's administration, even though the award was given under the narrative of fighting corruption. In her view, when information is leaked prematurely, it affects both the administration of justice and the very practice of journalism. She added that this is a problem lawyers have been complaining about for a long time. Regarding Karamañites’s claims, McDonald stated that she is guided not by perceptions or interpretations, but by facts and evidence. She pointed out that if someone not involved in the process has access to information before the parties involved, it is a sensitive matter that should be investigated, as no one outside the process has the right to know that type of information in advance. Both lawyers agreed that the allegations must be investigated immediately, as they involve not only a journalistic publication but also public accusations with names and surnames. In this regard, they emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate and determine whether crimes were committed, and of the Judicial Branch to establish whether the facts constitute criminal liability.
