Prosecutor Charged With Not Doing His Duty

San Carlos Prosecutor Miguel Antonio Arrocha has been officially charged with failing to do his duty. A formal complaint was filed against Mr. Arrocha by Carlos Sanad Espino, legal counsel for the victims of the Rancho Los Toros robbery.  Carlos Sanad was contacted on Friday by the Attorney General's office to ratify and confirm an affidavit with regard to the complaint. Carlos also had to provide evidence to support the complaint. He produced the case file and numerous unanswered petitions as evidence of the "breach of duty by the municipal prosecutor". Mr. Arrocha is currently on vacation, while these charges are being filed. It is unclear wether he will be allowed to return to his position during the term of the proceedings.

Many expats have felt unsafe due to rising number of home invasions happening in Panama's Pacific Playa communities. In several cases the invasions have been violent. Many have packed up and left their dream of a tropical home, and taken their investments and businesses. Many people feel that criminals will never get caught or made to pay for their actions by the proper authorities.

One group does believe that things can change. Rob Brown an advocate for justice, founded Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) to assist victims of crime with legal due process. Funded by donations NHN has brought in private detectives and legal counsel to pursue victim's interests. It is these efforts that are responsible bringing a prosecutor to accountability.

To those of us choosing to live in Panama, it feels like a huge step in the right direction.