THE DIRECTOR  of the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) in the province of Colón  has been fired after using his  position to provide support for  businessman Nidal Waked, accused in the United States.of money laundering and bank fraud 

Jaime Ospino Córdoba used Sinaproc letterhead carrying the institution’s badge when sending a  letter to  the Court of the Southern District of Florida,

The Public Ministry said Wednesday Feb. 8 said Sinaproc had  sent a "clarifying note" to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs So that, “by official means,” it may be sent to the magistrate of the District of South Florida.

Noting that "the use of the Sinaproc badge and name, as well as the letterhead stationery was not authorized and under no circumstances should it be interpreted that the note expresses an opinion or recommendation by Sinaproc, as an institution of the Government of the Republic of Panama".

In his note  Córdoba wrote that he has always seen Nidal Waked as a  man committed to the community, and he has "no doubt that he is an honest man, always collaborating for the common good ".

Federico Policani, mayor of Colón,and three  PRD deputies Benicio Robinson, used official stationery to express support for Waked who if found guilty could face up to 50 years behind bars.