By Zoila Palma: Today, Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton called on Alexis Rosado to “voluntarily and immediately step aside pending resolution of these criminal proceedings.”
“Let me be unequivocal: an allegation is not proof of guilt. Ambassador Rosado, who faces allegations of rape of a minor, is entitled to the presumption of innocence, due process, and a fair hearing before an independent court. Only the judiciary can determine criminal guilt,” Panton said.
Panton says that the Government is responsible for deciding who represents Belize.
“Asking an official to step aside while serious criminal proceedings are pending is not a declaration of guilt but a reasonable accountability measure. Public appointments must be governed by clear, fair, and consistently applied standards,” she added.
And while, the PM has defended Ambassador Rosado’s continued involvement based on his experience and the importance of Belize’s ICJ case, Panton says that the Government must explain how that decision meets the standards of accountability it expects and should demand while protecting Belize’s legal preparations and national interests.
“I call on Ambassador Alexis Rosado to voluntarily and immediately step aside pending resolution of these criminal proceedings. He should not wait for an Administration that has repeatedly failed to demonstrate the moral leadership these circumstances demand,” Panton expressed.
Panton said that victims of sexual violence, especially children, must be protected, respected, and supported, with their privacy and dignity safeguarded throughout the process.
The post Leader of Opposition calls on Alexis Rosado to voluntarily step aside pending criminal proceedings appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton called on Alexis Rosado to “voluntarily and immediately step aside pending resolution of these criminal proceedings.” “Let me be unequivocal: an allegation is not proof of guilt. Ambassador Rosado, who faces allegations of rape of a minor, is entitled to the presumption of innocence, due
The post Leader of Opposition calls on Alexis Rosado to voluntarily step aside pending criminal proceedings appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
