Judicial appointments objectors kept waiting

 
465Views 0Comments Posted 23/12/2009

{jathumbnail off}Citizen groups and individuals wanting to  present objections to the election of two hand-picked Supreme Court judges and their alternatives, were kept waiting for three hours on Friday.

Magaly Castillo, executive director of the Citizens' Alliance for Justice,  said that  in the National Assembly there was a party atmosphere and the meeting with the Credentials committee, scheduled for 1 p.m.did not takes start until 4 p.m.
Castillo insisted that the process of selecting judges should take time and should not be taking place in the midst of seasonal celebrations.
Miguel Antonio BernalIndividuals and groups have raised objections against the designated Judge Jose Abel Almengor and Alejandro Moncada Luna and the alternates Zaira Latorraca Santamaria and Wilfredo Saenz.

One of the objections raised was by Naphtali Jaén lawyer against the appointment of Latorraca Santamaria whose daughter, according to a local radio station killed a child and left the scene when driving several years ago. No charges were laid at that time. The mother of the child was interviewed by the station. 

Former mayoral candidate and law professor Miguel Antonio Bernal objected to the appointment of Jose Abel Almengor  claiming it was unconstitutional.
Most observers believe the choices of President Ricardo Martinelli will be rubber stamped by he committee and the Assembly.