The legal counsel for attorney Odila Castillo Bonilla released a strong declaration on October 1st, firmly denying the accusations that have been circulated by multiple Panamanian newspapers.
The defense described these reports as deliberate assaults, fueled by personal financial motives and aimed at tarnishing Castillo’s professional image and personal honor.
Defense of Castillo contends absence of basis and infringement of rights
Carlos Carrillo, a part of Castillo’s legal representation, asserted that the allegations are baseless and designed to hinder the professional advancement of the young attorney and her associate. He highlighted that these attacks are driven by hidden economic interests that intend to benefit from tarnishing Castillo’s reputation.
The defense highlighted that this is not the attorney’s first experience with media harassment. They referred to a comparable event in 2021, when a Panamanian outlet disseminated false information about an alleged arrest of Castillo, which was later retracted.
Partial truths and violation of confidentiality
The legal team contended that both the current claims and those from 2021 are based on “half-truths,” deliberately distorted to tarnish the professional endeavors of attorney Odila Castillo. Additionally, they maintained that the shared details violate confidentiality principles, as part of the investigation stems from a family issue that had already been resolved.
Confidential information, such as migration records and tax returns, was also revealed—data that, according to the defense, was acquired through illegal means.
Unauthorized surveillance and continuing legal proceedings
The defense revealed that Castillo has been subjected to GPS tracking, representing a blatant breach of her privacy and a type of illegal surveillance. Carrillo emphasized that his client’s basic rights, as protected by the Panamanian Constitution and relevant legislation, have been violated.
He declared that all requisite legal measures will be undertaken to establish accountability for the damages already suffered as well as those that may be imposed in the future. The legal team remains steadfast in its dedication to protect Castillo and to ensure that those behind this defamation campaign face consequences.
