The new prosecutor of the Public Ministry (MP), Gabriel Garcia Lunastated that ethics must be a permanent conduct among the members of the institution and should not be limited only to working hours, in reference to publications on social networks made by prosecutors of the investigating entity.
During an interview with Free pressGarcía Luna pointed out that MP workers must maintain impartial behavior and adhere to ethical values both in the exercise of their duties and in their personal lives.
“Yes, it is interesting to see the behavior of some members of the Prosecutor’s Office – MP -, because a structural part is ethics. Just like the judiciary and the judiciary, the Prosecutor’s Office not only has to act objectively, but impartially,” he expressed.
“I am not a prosecutor only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or when I am on duty, but it is permanent. And it is not because I am working all the time, but in my personal life I also have to behave in compliance with ethical values,” he stated.
Internal controls
García Luna added that the latest reform to the Judicial Career Law strengthened disciplinary aspects and recalled that the Tax Code of Ethics contemplates serious and very serious offenses related to inappropriate conduct.
The prosecutor also indicated that, although there must be internal supervision, this should not become an inquisitorial mechanism.
Restrictions on social networks
Regarding the use of social networks, García Luna assured that there is a prohibition on making publications related to institutional work or litigation processes.
“One of the instructions is that there is a prohibition, without limiting the freedom to use social networks, of course, to make publications referring to the institution or the work carried out by all members of the MP,” he said.
In addition, he recommended preventing judicial discussions from moving to the digital sphere.
“Do not take the litigation to social networks. Yes, it is practically litigation and any type of information or message that has to do with the institution, because that violates ethical principles, at a minimum,” he emphasized.
They will review files and prosecutors
In an interview with Free pressGarcía Luna spoke about the internal review that will be carried out in the Public Ministry and warned that the investigations could reach any official, including former Attorney General María Consuelo Porras.
The new head of the MP also announced that the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Impunity (FECI) will be subjected to a restructuring and assured that those who run the prosecutor’s offices will be held accountable.
In addition, he said that they will review files related to corruption, organized crime and money laundering, because he believes that in several cases no important results were obtained.