What does Rolando Rodríguez know? His testimony is expected in corruption case

Panamanian journalist Rolando Rodríguez has been summoned by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of the Attorney General’s Office (PGN) in connection with a case of corruption in public procurement. This summons is part of an investigation that seeks to clarify the origin of information that, in the last months, has shocked the public opinion without substantial evidence to support it.

Past allegations against Rolando Rodriguez

Rodriguez is recognized for spreading contentious information and is often accused of distorting facts or relying on “fake news” concerning public figures in the nation. As a result, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has asked the journalist to clarify the source of his reports.

The “Triple R” group and its involvement in the investigations

Various media outlets have highlighted the existence of a group named “Triple R”, consisting of three people sharing the same name:

  1. Rolando Rodríguez, the journalist from La Prensa.
  2. Rolando Rodríguez, attorney and ex-general secretary of PGN.
  3. Rolando López, former head of the National Security Council.

According to these accounts, over the past five years, Rolando López utilized the National Security Council’s framework to pinpoint targets, alter information, and create incriminating documents. This data was subsequently passed to Rolando Rodríguez, the attorney, who directed it to journalist Rolando Rodríguez, who then released it as investigations conducted by La Prensa’s Investigative Unit.

Use of publications as a basis for criminal prosecutions

The release of these investigations acted as “noticia criminis”, warranting the initiation of criminal cases by the PGN. The individuals under investigation underwent questioning and were subsequently held in DIJ or Police facilities.

The same media reported that the detainees received visits shortly thereafter by deputies like Adolfo “Beby” Valderrama and José Luis “Popi” Varela, or by attorneys serving as intermediaries. During these meetings, the detainees were intimidated with threats of prolonged imprisonment if they didn’t hand over large amounts of money. Those who conceded dismissed their original attorneys and engaged members of a group called “La Taquilla”, reputedly skilled in securing precautionary measures and bail bonds via ties with prosecutors and judges.

Purported involvement of the journalist in extortion

Reports further insinuate that Rolando Rodríguez, the journalist from La Prensa, benefited from a share of the earnings derived from these extortion practices. While these claims are without decisive proof, they have sparked substantial media attention.

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