A judge has ruled that there is enough evidence to call former National Security officials Alejandro Garuz, Gustavo Pérez, Ronny Rodríguez and William Pittí to trial for illegally intercepting electronic communications during the government of Ricardo Martinelli.

Sixteenth Criminal Court Judge Enrique Pérez said the trial will be in March.

The judge cited the testimony of a protected witness and evidence gathered by prosecutors in reaching his decision, which came after a preliminary hearing last week.

There are an estimated 150 victims of the illegal surveillance, including journalists, opposition politicians and union leaders.

Garuz and Pérez were ordered to be released under house arrest. Rodríguez and Pittí are fugitives, but the judge has issued an order for their arrest.