Four former officials of the National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents and Family (Senniaf) were charged for the alleged irregularities recorded in the Comprehensive Care Center (CAI) of Tocumenwhere children and adolescents remained under the protection of the State.
The accusation hearing was held at the request of the Family Prosecutor’s Officewho filed charges for the alleged commission of the crime of aggravated child abuse and other punishable acts to the detriment of minors who were in the facilities.
The guarantee court endorsed the formulation of charges presented by the Public Ministrywhich allows the investigation against the four former public servants to formally continue.
Among the people charged are Ruth Sanchezformer director of CAI of Tocumen. So far, the authorities have not revealed the identity of the other three investigated nor have they detailed what the other crimes included in the case are.
During the hearing, the court imposed on the four defendants the precautionary measure of periodic reporting to the Public Ministry on the 15th and 30th of each month.
The Family Prosecutor’s Office He appealed the decision adopted by the court. The hearing to resolve this appeal was scheduled for October 6.
In this diligence, a higher court must evaluate the arguments of the Public Ministry and determine whether to maintain the established precautionary measures or impose other conditions on the former officials while the investigations progress.
The case is related to alleged acts committed against minors who were in state custody and protection in the center administered by the senniaf. The four accused persons retain the presumption of innocence as long as there is no final conviction.
What measures did the former Senniaf officials charged in the Tocumen CAI case receive?
The four investigated must report to the Public Ministry on the 15th and 30th of each month, although the Prosecutor’s Office appealed this decision.
