Panama President Mulino Demands Harsher Judicial Stance on Dangerous Criminals

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has voiced significant concern regarding the judicial system's handling of individuals linked to violent crimes, specifically questioning the application of precautionary measures. He revealed that the executive branch is engaged in direct discussions with the Public Ministry and the Supreme Court of Justice to find institutional solutions to what he described as a recurring flaw in the penal system.

During his weekly conference, Mulino detailed at least two meetings involving representatives from the executive, the prosecutor's office, and judicial magistrates. The objective, he stated, was to address "harmoniously and institutionally" the perceived issue of lenient measures, such as house arrest, being imposed on individuals deemed dangerous and a threat to society. He drew a stark contrast, comparing the judicial treatment of such individuals to that of a "common pickpocket."

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The problem concerns everyone.

The president emphasized that such judicial decisions send a "wrong message" to both the public and security forces. He pointed to recent police operations where individuals under house arrest were found to be moving freely, despite wearing electronic monitoring bracelets. Mulino expressed hope for prompt adjustments to the system, acknowledging the frustration this situation causes among police and investigators who apprehend offenders, only to see them released under what he termed "somewhat anodyne criteria."

Mulino's statements reignite the debate in Panama about the effectiveness of precautionary measures and the delicate balance between procedural guarantees and public safety. The president's direct engagement with the judiciary signals a strong desire from the executive to see stricter enforcement and a more robust response to violent crime within the existing legal framework.

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They put their chests out every day to go after these people and, on the other hand, they let them go with somewhat anodyne criteria.