PANAMA — After more than two years of waiting for his case to be heard by a Panamanian judge, jailed adult video director Fred Salaff gets to wait a little longer. But this time the wait should result in a verdict and the ability to plan for the future.Whether that future will include liberty and a return to his homeland – or continued prison time, is not yet known, but an email from Salaff dated April 27th, is cautiously optimistic.
Salaff explains that the single trial, which he describes as a “so-called preliminary and the full trial all wrapped into one court appearance,” included an offer to “fast track” the decision. With urging from his legal team, Salaff opted for this resolution, which should result in a decision within 24 hours (as per law), although the backlog of court cases may mean that a more realistic timeline is a week.
As Salaff describes it, the case did not include the presentation of any evidence. Instead, after the judge indicated that she had read thousands of pages from the case file, “The prosecutor made a half-hearted presentation and our main attorney made a forceful and excellent presentation.”
Court observers have encouraged Salaff to feel optimistic about his case outcome, because the judge, known for making quick decisions in cases with a guilty verdict, indicated that she needs a short time to consider her response. “In other words,” Salaff explains, “since the judge did not convict us today there is a 99-perecent probability that we will be found innocent…”
Arrested on January 23rd, 2005, Salaff and his company, Rio Bueno, LTD, SA, were initially accused of coercing prostitutes to work in his videos, not obtaining or filing proper paperwork, and not adequately protecting minors from viewing the filming of his adult productions. All charges have subsequently been dropped, except for the latter, which relies upon claims that neighborhood children had climbed trees in order to spy on the proceedings.
Although Salaff’s court woes may well be at an end, his legal debts continue to require payment. “So, please dig in your pockets (yikes! once again),” he asks, “and help with some survival money. Small amounts go a very long way in Panama!”
Those who would like to contribute to Salaff’s legal defense may do so by visiting www.FredSalaff.com and clicking on the “Donate by PayPal” link.
