EDITORIAL - Ramirez must prove his innocence

Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez was held by the police as suspect in last week’s killing of municipal employee Edelberto Abao. Although he vehemently denied responsibility for the crime, police included him in the investigation on ground that his statement is not enough to clear his name.

Reports said Abao, leader of a special team that Ramirez created to guard the town’s public market, was shot and wounded by an unidentified man. He was rushed to a district hospital in Bogo where he expired later.

In his denial, Ramirez said Abao was already wounded when they found him at the market. The mayor added he even brought Abao to the hospital.

In defending himself from police charges, Ramirez explained that he and Abao have known each for a long time. “He was like a brother to me and he took good care of my youngest son whenever he was here on vacation. My conscience is clear and I have nothing to do with those speculations or accusations,” he said.

But as police have said, it is not enough for Ramirez to just issue a statement denying responsibility for Abao’s killing. He needs to show evidence to convince the authorities he has nothing to do with the crime.

But Ramirez refused to take the paraffin test, claiming he had just test-fired his new licensed gun. He seemed aware of the fact that once he undergoes paraffin test he would surely be found positive of powder burns.

But that is not the right move. It is better for him to take the test to prove his innocence and at the same time present his newly test-fired firearm to police for examination.

His refusal to undergo paraffin examination only casts doubts over the integrity of his statement. He should back his statement up with proof that would exculpate him from such crime.

Ramirez is still absolutely innocent of the crime. Unless proven guilty before the court of law, he can still walk with his head high, away from those accusing fingers.

But the first step towards proving his innocence is to cooperate with the authorities.