Ali Zaki Hage Jalil, linked as one of those responsible for the terrorist attack on Alas Chiricanas Flight 901 in 1994, is already in Panama to face justice after being extradited from Venezuela.
It was learned that around 1:30 in the afternoon of this Monday, April 20, Hage Jalil boarded a flight guarded by agents of the National Police and arrived at the isthmus around 3 in the afternoon. Now, it is up to the Panamanian Public Ministry to present the case and achieve a conviction.
“What is appropriate is that we are going to collect the investigation of Mr. Ali Zaki Hage Jalil, which was duly ordered and provisional detention has also been ordered,” explained prosecutor Geomara Guerra, in charge of the case. Subsequently we have an investigation period and to finish then conclude the investigations and take Mr. Ali Zaki with what proceeds whether or not it is a call to trial,” he explained.
The prosecutor indicated that she is being charged with crimes against life and personal integrity, as well as against means of transportation for the plane that exploded.
Criminal experts consulted indicated that since the incident occurred in 1994, it could be treated under the Mixed Inquisitorial System, and not the current Accusatory Criminal System. This could lengthen process times. When consulting the Public Ministry about a possible hearing date, they responded that the investigation must be carried out first and that they do not yet have a scheduled date for a hearing.
US response
A total of 21 people lost their lives on Flight 901. Among them were 12 people of Jewish origin and 3 Americans. In 2024, the State Department offered a reward of $5 million in exchange for information related to the attack.
The United States ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, called a press conference after Hage Jalil’s arrival in Panama became known. He did not rule out that his country would later request extradition to face the North American courts.
“It is possible. At this moment we are working with Panama to ensure that they have the strongest case for the person to face justice here. Obviously the act occurred here in Panama, the majority of the victims are from here, that is why we have been working with Panama to help them make their case so that they can face justice here in Panama,” declared Marino Cabrera. “But we reserve the right to do that (request extradition) in the future.”
The ambassador highlighted the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the case for more than 30 years. “Panama is a democracy just like the United States and these people arrived here and will have to face justice. What we have been doing on our part is for the last 30 years, the FBI and the different security forces of our country working with those of Panama to ensure that the case they have, that the evidence they have, is as strong as possible to ensure that when this person faces justice, we put all the evidence we have and all the information we have and that it is the strongest case while this process is ongoing. walking,” declared the ambassador.
Relatives of the victims of Flight 901 were present during the conference of the American ambassadors, who addressed them and greeted them personally after giving their statements.
“We feel extremely grateful for all the support that the United States, the FBI, and the personnel of Panama have provided,” shared Ana Karina Smith Cain, granddaughter of James Cain Delgado, one of the victims of the attack. “We feel very grateful to the Chancellery of the Republic, to President Mulino, because we finally have hope that this person, this alleged terrorist, will face justice in our country. It is great news, not only because it helps close chapters, but also because it helps to have a safer and more peaceful Panama for everyone, and it is very important that this never happens again, neither in Panama, nor in any country in the region,” he highlighted.
