Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has described an alleged extortion and blackmail network as a 'political malfeasance' aimed not only at his personal image but also at the country's institutional integrity. Lawyer Karisma Karamañites referred to the supposed existence of an organized structure dedicated to extortion and blackmail, linking these practices to political and media pressure. Mulino stated that beyond the attempt to disqualify his presidential candidacy for the 2024 elections, the underlying issue was the threat it posed to the democratic structure, involving officials and civilians in political maneuvers that cross the line of legality. Regarding the proposal to create an investigative commission, the president expressed openness, noting that the process could have a positive outcome if conducted with seriousness and without hidden agendas. The president stated that whoever extorts is a criminal, whether they act in private or publicly. He pointed out that today these practices appear in various formats, from social media to publications in the press. Mulino called on people who feel affected to file the corresponding complaints and not to be intimidated. He acknowledged that extortion is not a new phenomenon in Panama, but emphasized that the fact that these cases are coming to light allows them to be addressed with greater clarity.
