This is the first time a Panamanian president has ever been arrested and is certain to make all of Panama's politicians and public office holders sit up and take notice. If it can happen to the bull, it can happen to anyone.
La Prensa this morning: SANTIAGO Fascetto
JOSÉ OTERO
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Ernesto Pérez Balladares yesterday became the first former president of Panama who is deprived of his liberty for an alleged act of corruption: the Public Ministry (MP) ordered his arrest in a criminal case that accuses him of course money laundering.
The precautionary measure dictated Ayú prosecutor Jose Prado, in charge of the Special Prosecutor's Organized Crime after the former president (1994-1999) refused to testify a second time.
The extension of the investigation was scheduled for today, but the prosecutor and defense lawyers agreed and 24 hours ahead of diligence.
Perez Balladares admitted to the prosecutor's office at 8:05 am and left guarded by National Police agents shortly thereafter.
Apart from the prohibition to leave his home, he dictated the Prado Ayú barred from leaving the country.
The charge of guarding the former head of state does not leave his home will be the agents of the Institutional Protection Service. Ayú Prado-reported-not frozen the accounts or property of Perez Balladares.
"We decided to take certain precautionary measures for procedural health record," said the prosecutor, after issuing the injunctions.
The defense of Pérez Balladares, meanwhile, unveiled two new resources that add to the other seven: another habeas corpus before the Supreme Court and a reconsideration with the prosecutor for outlawing measures.
The MP opened the investigation into alleged money laundering against former President Ernesto Pérez Balladares, after a series of investigative reports published in the press and that uncovered links Balladares gaming company with Lucky Games Ltd., the than the government of former president was granted a concession to operate direct free slot machine halls in 1996.
That company turned steadily money to an account of society "paper" Shelf Holding Inc., which controls the former head of state.
Ayú Prado, on the other hand, decided yesterday to prosecute seven others, bringing the number to 12. The latter group reported "relates to people who have benefited from money Shelf Holding Inc.
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