Panama's International Image Is Being Affected By The Planells Case -

(MENAFN- Newsroom Panama) According to lawyer Rolando Reyna, the statements made by lawyer Karisma Karamiñes regarding the former director of La Prensa, Annette Planells, can be used as a“report of a crime” to initiate a formal investigation to clarify the events that occurred, because the limited legal action surrounding the issue is affecting not only those involved, who to date remain silent, but also the country's image internationally. He mentioned that those implicated in the alleged electoral conspiracy against President José Raúl Mulino should be the most interested in clarifying what has been said because their silence generates more doubts and distrust. The lawyer asked the prosecutor to act ex officio to clarify the citizens' questions before the issue escalates further, since the statements made by his colleague represent the commission of several serious crimes.

The celebration of a distinction that, to this day, remains anchored in Planells's X (former Twitter) profile as a sign of pride, has been her greatest calamity in recent days; she has gone from“anti-corruption champion” to“extortionist” in the eyes of the authorities of the same country, a retraction that has been welcomed by some local political figures, among whom former congresswoman Zulay Rodríguez stands out, who congratulated US ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera for“putting her in her place” by considering her recognition a disgrace to the US. Rodríguez applauded Marino Cabrera for exposing the anti-democratic practices used by Planells to persecute his political enemies through the digital media outlet Foco and La Prensa.

According to the former congresswoman, withdrawing Planells' award is not enough to set a precedent that would prevent“unscrupulous” people from using their influence as a political weapon; therefore, she suggests that his visa be revoked, which would also prohibit his entry into the country. Former President Ricardo Martinelli and former congresswoman Katleen Levy have also agreed with the statements of the US ambassador; the latter, after lawyer Karamañites exposed Planells' actions, even accused her of allegedly asking for $10,000 a month to stop“attacking” her through Foco. Following the scandal, the US ambassador to Panama stated that, under President Donald Trump, empty accolades would not be given; on the contrary, the focus would be on ensuring genuine accountability. “She never deserved an award, we will work to take it away from her,” the diplomat declared.

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