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Panamanian President Vetoes New
Penal Code
Panama National Assembly
(Parliament) Government, Justice
and Constitutional Affair
Commission must discuss again
reforms to the Penal Code that
President Martin Torrijos
vetoed.
One of the most controversial
items has been reducing
sentences for crimes against
public administration.
A government release confirms
the veto but does not explain
which of the 448 items caused
the presidential verdict,
allegedly under pressure.
Among the contestants are the
Chamber of Commerce, Industries
and Agriculture, the Workers'
General Union (CGT) and the
Catholic Church.
The CGT considers the changes
"broad door for impunity" that
contradicts the cabinet
anti-corruption policy.
The list of opponents also
includes Attorney General Ana
Matilde Gomez and Alma
Montenegro, executive secretary
of the National Council for
Transparence against Corruption.
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