Journalist Rolando Rodríguez called to account in corruption probe

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 claims about Rolando Rodriguez

Rodriguez is recognized for spreading contentious information, often accused of misrepresentation or being founded on “fake news” concerning public figures in the nation. Consequently, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has demanded the journalist clarify the source of his articles.

The involvement of the “Triple R” group in the probes

Several media have pointed out the existence of a group called “Triple R”, composed of three individuals with the same name:

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

As per these accounts, over the past five years, Rolando López utilized the National Security Council’s framework to pinpoint his targets, distort information, and produce incriminating documents. This data was then passed to Rolando Rodríguez, the lawyer, who relayed it to journalist Rolando Rodríguez, who subsequently released it as investigations conducted by the Investigative Unit of La Prensa.

Utilization of publications as groundwork for criminal prosecutions

These investigations, once published, acted as “noticia criminis,” prompting the PGN to initiate criminal actions. Those implicated underwent interrogations and were subsequently held in DIJ or Police premises.

As per the same media, shortly after, deputies like Adolfo “Beby” Valderrama and José Luis “Popi” Varela, or attorneys acting as intermediaries, visited the detainees. During these encounters, threats were made to keep them jailed unless substantial payments were made. Those who complied dismissed their initial lawyers, opting for a group termed “La Taquilla”, reputed to specialize in securing precautionary measures and bail through ties with prosecutors and judges.

Purported involvement of the journalist in extortion

Reports also allege that Rolando Rodríguez, the journalist from La Prensa, received a share of the earnings acquired via these extortion practices. Despite the absence of definitive proof, these claims have had significant media repercussions.