The preliminary hearing of the Odebrecht bribery case in Panama, considered the largest corruption plot in the country’s history, began on Monday with 83 defendants, including two former presidents of the Republic, after being suspended last month. of July.
At the hearing, which will last until September 30, the judge will hear the arguments of the parties to decide, within a period of 30 business days after the conclusion, on the call to trial.
The Prosecutor’s Office will ask to prosecute the natural persons and one legal entity for the crime of money laundering and corruption of public servants according to information from the Judicial Branch.
Among those accused are former presidents Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014) and Juan Carlos Varela (2014-2019), who were not present, and more than half a dozen senior former officials.