Earlier this week, we told you about the murder case involving Hilmar Alamilla, a man closely connected to former Deputy Prime Minister, Gaspar Vega. Alamilla was charged for the murder of Daniel Sosa, who he allegedly shot in the head last weekend.
Bringing a murder charge against a politically well connected figure like Alamilla was big news, but the press couldn't witness the arraignment because police denied them entry to the court room.
That's very irregular, and the Magistrate has denied having anything to do with the situation, and so did the OC of Orange Walk Police. So, who gave the order to the police at the courthouse to keep the press out of the arraignment? Well that's what we asked Police Minister of State, Elodio Aragon today. Here's what he had to say...
Reporter
"Can you also ensure that the case involving Hilmar Alamilla and Daniel Sosa will be properly investigated? I believe you know Mr. Alamilla."
Hon. Elodio Aragon - Minister of State, Home Affairs
"Yes of course. I am from Orange Walk. I know most of the people of Orange Walk and I will tell you and I want the community to understand this is that the police department has done an excellent job in terms of that investigation, working very closely with the DPP we got word from the DPP if I recall correctly on Sunday where she had already peruse the case file and give directive for charges to be laid which was done on that Sunday, so definitely the police department is doing everything as it should do in any case. It doesn't matter who it is, the police department has a job to do, regardless of who it is and that is what we are here for. That is what the ministry wants the department to do and we will continue to ensure that these things get done properly and correctly."
Reporter
"Apparently two reporters were asking to go into the court room, because it's an adult and it's an open case, it's not a close court. One of the officers instructed one of the reporters telling him that you are not allowed to come in the court and when the reporters ask again, he says that it was the magistrate decision. That reporter spoke to the magistrate and the magistrate says he gave no such instructions. Mr. Chi says that he gave the instruction and he does not know who give the instruction. The question is do you believe because of Alamilla's political links that these officers would take up an individual decision to offer or have preferential treatment?"
Hon. Elodio Aragon - Minister of State, Home Affairs
"It's hard to answer that question, because you are speculating on a lot of stuff and hear this one said that. It's hard for me to properly comment on something like this. All I could tell you is that the police department is doing a job that needs to be done as in any other case. It doesn't matter who it is. I think one murder is bad in itself, and the police would have to do what is necessary in terms of the investigation to bring justice to the families and of course to our communities etc."
Email
Print