Panama City (AP) – Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli suddenly left on Saturday night of the Nicaragua Embassy, where he had taken refuge In February 2024 After Justice confirmed a prison sentence against him for money laundering, and moves to Colombia after receiving political asylum from the neighboring country, the Panama Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
In a statement, the Panamanian Foreign Ministry indicated that through a formal note of the Colombian president Gustavo Petro aimed at his Panamanian counterpart José Raúl Mulino has granted asylum to Martinelli, after which the Panama government granted the safe -conduct necessary for the “prompt and safe” departure of the ex -president towards Colombia.
“The Republic of Colombia is a State that has historically recognized with the greatest respect, compliance and promotion of international law institutions, including asylum in the inter -American system, for more than a century,” said the foreign relations portfolio.
Subsequently, the Colombian Foreign Ministry explained in a brief statement released in its X account that the asylum decision “relies on the observance of the pro person and the humanist tradition of Colombia of protection for persons persecuted for political reasons.”
Nicaragua had granted Martinelli asylum in February 2024, but it was not until last March that Panama gave him the safe -conduct for humanitarian reasons. However, the exit of the former governor could not be completed to the Central American nation, which slowed the measure.
The Nicaraguan government demanded that Panama clarified what he called “inconsistencies”, referring to the fact that a Panamanian judge had asked Interpol to issue a red capture alert against the ex -president.
Martinelli, 73, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering in July 2023 in relation to the purchase of an editorial group. After the confirmation of that judgment, the former president He took refuge in the Nicaraguan diplomatic headquarters After President Daniel Ortega’s government granted him asylum.
Martinelli also is among the 26 calls to trial in the case of bribes delivered by the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht to access juicy public contracts and other favors in Panama, whose beginning returned to reprogram in January.
Martinelli ruled between 2009 and 2014, a period of rapid economic growth promoted by the construction of large works such as the first meter in Central America and the expansion of the interoceanic channel. But his recognized execution power was stained by accusations of bribes and cost overruns in the works. Was sanctioned by the United States for corruption in January 2023.
Last year it was inhabilitated To find a second term in the elections in which he was outlined at the head of the polls, so his formula partner, Mulino, held the presidential candidacy of his party and ended up winning the elections.
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The Associated Press Gabriela Molina journalist collaborated with this office from Quito.
This article was published by Juan Zamorano on 2025-05-10 21:44:00
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