Former president of Panama Ricardo Martinelli received political asylum in Colombia. The politician has already left his country, thus ending several months of protecting himself at the Nicaragua embassy. He shelter was given to him when the court sentenced Martinelli to 10 years in prison.
Key facts:
- Ricardo Martinelli was the president of Panama in 2009-2014.
- Over the past several months, the politician has been protected at the Nicaragua embassy.
- Martinelli argues that the sentence that was given to him was politically motivated.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Panama announced the asylum that Ricardo Martinelle was given by the neighboring government Colombia. The former president was taken from the country the same day. The Panama services “provided the necessary security measures” and enabled “fast and efficient” transport of politics – according to a statement published on the social media of the ministry.
Later in the message, the ministry emphasized its faith in “the highest respect” with which Colombia is to approach compliance with international law. Martinelli himself wrote on Instagram that he was “satisfied” from his trip. He spent the last dozen or so months at the embassy Nicaragua in Panama. He was allowed to take shelter after the Panama Supreme Court sentenced him to 10 years in prison for money laundering. The politician was also obliged to pay $ 19 million, i.e. the equivalent of over PLN 71 million.
The former president celebrates asylum
According to the former president's account, he is currently in Bogota. In social media, the politician already provides films showing how he celebrates the receipt of asylum. He describes his judgment there as politically motivated. The 73-year-old is of the opinion that he was convicted of his desire to apply for the second term. However, the judgment issued successfully blocked his start in the election. These finally won the candidate, supported by Martinelli, José Raúl Mulino.
Martinelli ruled Panama from 2009 to 2014. This period is a time of rapid economic growth of the country. Projects such as the construction of the first meter in Central America or the expansion of the Panama Canal were completed. However, Martinelli's government was also remembered due to accusations of bribery and exceeding the budget. Author/author: JDW // MM Source: CNN, Reuters Source of the main photo: PAP/EPA/BIENVENIDO VelascoMore articles