Appointment: Court appointed attorney for absent Bosch

On August 9, 2024, the Sixteenth Civil Court of the First Judicial Circuit of Panama appointed attorney Miguel Ruiz as court-assigned defense counsel for Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez. This step followed Bosch’s failure to appear within the 20-day deadline set by Edict No. 246, which had been published after international notification attempts failed. The court applied Article 1012 of the Judicial Code to ensure due process could proceed despite the defendant’s absence.

Miguel Ruiz, a licensed Panamanian attorney, was ordered to formally assume the role of defensor de ausente (attorney for the absent party). Litigation expenses were set at $1,500. This appointment allows the summary accounting lawsuit brought by Lisa, S.A. to move forward even if Bosch continues to evade participation in the proceedings.