Subsequently, it will be up to Judge Baloisa Marquínez to issue her decision within the established legal term.
Prosecution suffers a setback in court. The Prosecutor's Office faced a major setback last week when it presented witnesses that, according to the defense, failed to link former President Ricardo Martinelli to acts of corruption or the use of illicit funds. The lawyers described several of these testimonies as even "favorable". Alfredo Vallarino, a member of Martinelli's legal team, reiterated that none of the witnesses provided elements that could criminally implicate his client. In this sense, he highlighted the testimony of expert Antonio Lim, who stated that Martinelli did not commit any illegal acts, that the funds received correspond to a period when he was not a public official, and that there is no evidence that they came from illicit activities. Vallarino added that the expert himself admitted he did not know the origin of the funds and that he prepared his report without reviewing financial statements, which, in the defense's opinion, weakens the prosecution's theory.
You may be interested: Criminal complaint admitted against Varela, Porcell and Picuiro; 2 minors rescued in a beach in Colón; alert for rains and rough sea; The Church speaks: be careful with vulgar letters that humiliate; Ambassador of India participates in the XLII Santa Fe Fair; Economic Forum left money on the street and Panama well-positioned before the world.
Donations under the microscope. Similarly, witness Yara Campos ruled out irregularities in Odebrecht's donations and assured she had no knowledge of processes or complaints related to those contributions. For his part, lawyer Carlos Carrillo maintained that it was clear that the political donations received by Martinelli in 2009, when he was not a public official, do not constitute any crime. The judge ordered him to be fined $100, in accordance with article 2044 of the Judicial Code.
Defense questions the validity of testimonies. For the defense, it is unacceptable that the principle of contradiction is not guaranteed with collaborating witnesses who were obligated to appear. "A guilty sentence cannot be expected without the witnesses being examined and the arguments based on unratified statements in court", the defense lawyers warned. "Imagine if they bring the 15", he said. On Friday, the Prosecutor's Office was harshly criticized for the non-appearance of witness Olmedo Méndez Tribaldos, who, according to prosecutor Ruth Morcillo, could not be located despite having a summons. She explained that for that period, Odebrecht had no reports or alerts, and that the contributions were properly reported to the Electoral Tribunal. "The prosecution's theory is trying to prove facts that have no relation to Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal", stated Carrillo.
Absences and criticism of the Public Ministry. Last week was also marked by problems in the appearance of witnesses for the Prosecutor's Office, which generated questioning in the courtroom. Vallarino even suggested that some witnesses might be hidden. "They brought two witnesses who have exhibited themselves like seals in a circus". The trial for the Odebrecht case in Panama begins a new week centered on the appearance of the defense's witnesses, after the Prosecutor's Office closed a stage marked by absences, logistical difficulties, and testimonies that failed to demonstrate irregularities or the use of illicit funds, according to the defense. After concluding this phase, scheduled to take place throughout the week, the judicial process will move to the final arguments, first by the Public Ministry and then by the defense lawyers.
