Alas Chiricanas bombing probe declared 'complex case' as suspect faces trial

Panama's Superior Court of Liquidation of Criminal Cases has declared the investigation into the 1994 bombing of the Alas Chiricanas aircraft a "complex case." The attack, which killed all 21 people on board, is now subject to an extended investigation period.

The decision follows a request from the Superior Prosecutor's Office for Discharge Homicide, led by prosecutor Geomara Jones. The extended timeline is necessary due to the numerous investigative actions still pending. This development comes after the extradition in April from Venezuela of the primary suspect, Ali Zaki Hage Jalil, described as a Palestinian man with Colombian and Venezuelan nationalities.

Under the "complex case" designation, the prosecution will have an additional 12 months, starting in June, to conduct its investigation before issuing a final report. This report will outline the accusations and formally request a trial for the defendants. In addition to Hage Jalil, two other foreign citizens, Mohmoud Moutan Mohammad and Mahamad Taha Moutan, are implicated in the case. They face charges related to aggravated homicide and crimes against collective security, specifically against transportation and communication means.

The court's decision is based on Law No. 121 of 2013, which addresses measures against organized crime. The Public Ministry's request for secrecy of the investigation was denied, as the court ruled that the prosecution has the authority to maintain confidentiality independently under the mixed inquisitorial system.

Adding another layer of legal complexity, a motion to dismiss the case based on the statute of limitations, filed by Hage Jalil's defense, is currently pending resolution. The Alas Chiricanas case had been provisionally archived in 2006 but was reopened in 2019 following information from Israel and the United States identifying the main perpetrator. The Second Superior Court had previously classified the incident as a crime against humanity.