The Colombian government has granted asylum to Ricardo Martinelli, who sought shelter in Nicaragua, away from his prison sentence for money laundering, as political tensions continue in the region.
Colombia Offers Asylum to Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli
Colombia Offers Asylum to Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli
Ex-President of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, finds refuge in Colombia after fleeing a money-laundering conviction in Panama.
Colombia's government announced on Saturday that it has granted asylum to Ricardo Martinelli, the former president of Panama, who had sought refuge in the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City for over a year in avoidance of a money-laundering prison sentence. Colombia's Foreign Ministry confirmed that arrangements were made for Martinelli to travel by diplomatic car from the embassy to an airport for his flight to Bogotá, the Colombian capital.
At 73, Martinelli expressed his gratitude on social media upon his arrival in Colombia, claiming asylum as a political refugee. His conviction occurred in 2023 when he was found guilty of laundering money from government contractors related to a 2010 publishing house purchase, leading to a 10-year sentence and a $19 million fine. Martinelli has maintained that the charges were politically motivated.
The former leader was initially granted asylum by Nicaragua last year, during which he resided in the embassy with his dog, Bruno. He had ambitions to campaign for the May 2024 presidential election from inside the embassy, but his electoral aspirations were thwarted when Panama's electoral tribunal disqualified him due to his conviction. His running mate, José Raúl Mulino, took his place in the election and capitalized on Martinelli's legacy, ultimately winning with a substantial lead.
At 73, Martinelli expressed his gratitude on social media upon his arrival in Colombia, claiming asylum as a political refugee. His conviction occurred in 2023 when he was found guilty of laundering money from government contractors related to a 2010 publishing house purchase, leading to a 10-year sentence and a $19 million fine. Martinelli has maintained that the charges were politically motivated.
The former leader was initially granted asylum by Nicaragua last year, during which he resided in the embassy with his dog, Bruno. He had ambitions to campaign for the May 2024 presidential election from inside the embassy, but his electoral aspirations were thwarted when Panama's electoral tribunal disqualified him due to his conviction. His running mate, José Raúl Mulino, took his place in the election and capitalized on Martinelli's legacy, ultimately winning with a substantial lead.
