Legal Professionals at Santiago Palace of Justice Fear for their Safety Due to Lack of Security

Worry and fear seize the lawyers who exercise in the Santiago Palace of Justicewho report feeling insecure and vulnerable in the absence of security personnel in that building.

The situation, they point out, has become increasingly alarming, since there have been several incidents of attacks against lawyers litigants in recent weeks, especially when leaving the building and in the parking lots, where they assure that security is nil.

The cause of the situation, according to the complaint, lies in the withdrawal of security personnel by the Supreme Court of Justicewhich has left unprotected the lawyers representing various cases in various court cases.

The decrease in security has generated an environment of insecurity in the Palace of Justice, exposing legal professionals to possible attacks by people who oppose the cases they defend.

Given the shortage of security personnel, the lawyers litigants feel at risk and helpless.

Ana Báez, one of the affected lawyers, recounted a disturbing episode that she experienced.

“We are orphans of security, since all the employees have been fired, and we as legal representatives are at risk, for example, yesterday I found out about a homicide and I had to leave almost at nine at night to be able to leave, the family was out there”.

Juan Carlos Peralta, another of the plaintiff lawyers, He emphasized: “Security is very minimal, there are only two security guards at the entrance door, around the courthouse through which judicial officers enter, there is not the slightest security.”

Carlos Villanueva, lawyer also affected by the situation, stated that the problem not only affects the lawyers private, but also public officials who work in the Palace of Justice, including prosecutors from the Public Ministry and judges.

Los lawyers highlighted that the responsibility of the Judiciary, specifically of the supreme court of Justice, is there to guarantee security in courthouses throughout the country.

The call to restore security personnel and ensure a safe and secure environment in the Santiago Palace of Justice was emphatic by the complaining jurists.