A challenge against the judge Second Liquidator of Criminal Cases, Baloisa Marquínez, and an appeal against the non-admission of a series of evidence adduced by the defense that would be used during the trial of 20 people for alleged money laundering through the company New Business for the acquisition of Editora Panamá América (Epasa), could cause its postponement.

It was set to start today, but last week a challenge was filed against Judge Marquínez by one of the defense lawyers and the appeal must be resolved before the trial is held.

Although it was not reported which of the lawyers who must appear at the trial filed the challenge, it was confirmed that it is in process reports La Prensa

The appeal is in the hands of Judge First Liquidator of Criminal Cases, Agueda Rentería, who must rule on the feasibility of the appeal filed.

On the other hand, the Superior Court of Settlement has not resolved an appeal against Judge Marquínez's decision to deny a series of tests requested by defense attorneys to be used during the trial.

Previously, the judge had established May 23 to June 5, 2023, as an alternate date for the trial.

In the case, the Specialized Prosecutor's Office against Organized Crime managed to get the court to approve the presentation of 67 testimonial evidence, 27 expert opinions, and six expert opinions.

The investigation began in 2017, when the Specialized Prosecutor's Office against Organized Crime revealed that the purchase of Epasa was managed through a basket company called New Business and that the money contributed came from contracts granted to various companies for the alleged execution of works of public infrastructure, during the administration of former President Ricardo Martinelli, one of the defendants.