PRD Demands Due Process in Investigation Against Its Members

Balbina Herrera, general secretary of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), stated that she does not oppose investigations, however, she wanted to make it clear that she expects due process to be respected for those involved. Deputy Benicio Robinson, president of the PRD, expressed his hope that justice in Panama does not become a spectacle, while Balbina Herrera, general secretary of that group, said she is concerned about the due process in the investigation being followed against several PRD members, including former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo, against whom an arrest warrant was issued for alleged illicit enrichment. "All the comrades who are facing investigations today are in Panama, facing the situation and exercising their right to defense," assured Robinson. Herrera pointed out that rather than backing Carrizo, she is more concerned about due process. "As a party, we have been clear from the beginning: we do not oppose investigations, but we demand due process, presumption of innocence, and respect for..." Robinson added that "as a party, we have been clear from the start: we do not oppose investigations, but we demand due process, presumption of innocence, and respect for human dignity." When asked about that possible swearing-in, Herrera was clear: "I have no idea at all, forgive me, I don't know, I am not a member of the Central American Parliament (Parlacen), I am the general secretary of the PRD." The deputy's reaction from Bocas del Toro refers to the members of that political group who are facing legal processes for alleged corruption, the latest case being that of Gaby Carrizo, the PRD's presidential candidate, who was arrested this Tuesday morning. "That is fundamental for us, not only for José Gabriel Carrizo, but for all citizens at this moment," expressed Herrera, who said that this Tuesday was an "intense, very delicate day for the country and, of course, for us in the PRD." "We reject that justice becomes a spectacle, as well as media trials and anticipatory convictions promoted from social networks, political actors, or some media," Robinson wrote on X.