Critics say judicial appointments lacked transparency

LA PRENSA/Jorge Fernández

Las bancadas de oposición dijeron que habrá un debate intenso en la Asamblea Nacional.

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20/12/2012 - Questions continue to be raised about the process that resulted in Ana Belfon and José Ayú Prado being nominated by the Cabinet Council as the new attorney general and Supreme Court justice, respectively.

"There are people suffering because there is not a good administration of justice," said lawyer Idalia Martinez.

National Bar Association President César Ruiloba said that the organization will be watching the appointments closely, and said that Belfon will have to transition from a political appointee to a position that is now responsible for constitutional duties.

Aurelio Barrí­a, one of the founders of the Civil Crusade, was concerned that Belfon, a prosecutor during the military dictatorship, will be the attorney general. He warned that it will be a prelude to much political persecution, as existed between 1987 and 1989.

"If we have to go out to the streets, we will do it," he said.

The Credentials Committee will begin its reviews of the candidates this morning. Trade unions and civil groups have called for protests outside the National Assembly.