Attorney General Presses Formal Charges Against Former ANATI Official in Land Titling Scandal
Panama's Attorney General Jose Ayú Prado pressed formal charges against the former Director of Land Titles of the National Land Authority (ANATI), Anabel Villamonte, for alleged crimes against the environment due to the free allocation of land in Juan Hombrón. This was confirmed to the press by Villamonte's attorney Guillermina McDonald, who went to the offices of the Public Ministry. Villamonte - the only person charged so far in this case - was summoned to appear today before the Public Ministry, but McDonald told the prosecutor her client could not attend for personal reasons. McDonald is waiting for the response from the Attorney General. She clarified Villamonte is willing to make a statement and face questioning in this case. In the past the Attorney General ordered Villamonte not to leave the country after making a statement and answering questions. (Panama America)
Editor's Comment: Environmental crimes? Whatever. The real reason Villamonte didn't appear before the Attorney General today is because her smart attorney is afraid they are going to arrest her. It's one thing when you're being questioned or interrogated, and it's another thing once they have pressed formal charges - and that happened today. This is part of the game the lawyers play with the prosecutors, and Guillermina McDonald is a smart and well known criminal defense attorney. Anyway, the plot thickens. And, good. If you can catch them, and if they are corrupt. And if they are guilty. And if the prosecutors can prove it. And if a judge decides they're guilty. Then they should be tossed in jail. All of them. That's the only way this country is ever going to get over its addiction to bribes, kickbacks, and corruption by government officials. They keep doing it, because they keep getting away with it.
