Protest held outside National Assembly against judicial nominations

LA PRENSA/Jorge Fernández

Los dirigentes sindicales dijeron que mañana seguirán los piquetes.

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19/12/2012 - Union leaders Saúl Méndez and Gabriel Castillo organized a protest this afternoon outside the National Assembly to protest the appointments of José Ayú Prado as a Supreme Court judge and Ana Belfon as attorney general.

The leaders stated that the only thing that the government of President Ricardo Martinelli is trying to do with these two appointments is to stay in power.

Both Méndez and Castillo added that the government "always does what it pleases" and that the appointments will allow it to persecute its opponents.

They announced that they will return to the Assembly tomorrow for further demonstrations.

CONSULTATIONS

The credentials of the National Assembly Commission will meet from 10 a.m. on Thursday to discuss the appointment of Ayú Prado. The commission will hold a consultation period tomorrow and Friday, during which time the public will be able to comment.

Opposition lawmaker Adolfo Valderrama said the appointment is done to allow Martinelli to build himself a "coat of armor" against possible criminal investigations, as the judicial candidate would be in charge of such cases.

Valderrama reiterated, moreover, that there is a concentration of power by Martinelli in the different organs of the state.

The appointments are expected to be discussed by the full Assembly during its extraordinary session later this month.