Ram?n B?ez Figueroa is being represented by well-known lawyer Marino (Vincho) Castillo, who has strongly criticized the Central Bank?s handling of the case. The defense machinery rolled into action the moment Central Bank Governor Jos? Lois Malkum’s speech confirmed that the case would not be swept under the carpet and escalated its activities yesterday, when B?ez Figueroa and two others were interrogated and imprisoned by the judicial authorities. Using Baninter-owned media such as List?n Diario and the RNN news channel, Vincho Castillo launched a searing attack on the authorities, claiming that there was a ?perverse, terrible and unjustified? conspiracy against his client, and that B?ez’ detention was illegal. Castillo described Lois Malkum’s speech as ?arrogant?, and pointed a finger at government economic advisor Andy Dauhajre, who he cited as having a key role in the supposed conspiracy. Former Central Bank Governor Guillermo Caram was interviewed in the List?n Diario?s financial section and suggested that the accusations against the Baninter executives are a ?smokescreen? for the government to cover up failures of its economic policy.
As is common in cases involving white-collar executives, one of the accused, Baninter vice president Vivian Lubrano, has been examined by a doctor, which leads to speculation that she is likely to claim ill-health as a way of evading custody.