Former Panamaic President Martinelli is looking for asylum in Colombia

Former Panamaic President Martinelli is looking for asylum in Colombia

Panama city, Panama-former Panamaic President Ricardo Martinelli left the Vietnamese embassy in Panama city, where he had been looking for refuge for more than a year. This happened after the dishes confirmed a money laundering judgment against him. Now Martinelli went to Colombia, where he had applied for political asylum, as the government announced on late Saturday.

asylum granted by Colombia

The Foreign Ministry of Panama announced in a statement that Colombian President Gustavo Petro gave the Panamaic President José Raúl Mulino a formal grade in which he granted Martelli asylum. In addition, Panama certified a safe passage to Colombia to the former president.

historical importance of asylum law

The explanation said: "The Republic of Colombia is a state that is historically recognized with the greatest respect, compliance and promotion of the institutions of international law, including the asylum system within the inter -American system."

background to Martinelli's conviction

Martinelli, 73 years old, was sentenced to ten years in prison for money laundering in July 2023, in connection with the purchase of a publishing group. After confirming the judgment, the former President sought refuge in the Nicaraguan diplomatic representation in Panama after receiving the government under Daniel Ortega Asyl. He stayed at the message for more than a year.

career and political controversy

Martinelli is an entrepreneur and supermarket magazine who ruled Panama from 2009 to 2014. During this time, the country experienced a rapid economic growth, which was boosted by the construction of important projects such as the first subway of Central America and the expansion of the Interocean Canal. However, his government style was overshadowed by allegations of bribery and overrun costs. The United States took it in January 2023 for corruption with sanctions.

political ambitions and setbacks

Martinelli claims that his persecution was politically motivated because he wanted to run for a second term. In 2023 he was able to win his party's nomination for a new presidential election. After his conviction for money laundering and the rejection of his appeal by the Supreme Court, however, he was no longer entitled to vote. Finally Martinelli supported his candidate and current President Mulino.

asylum in Nicaragua and the connection to Panama

in February 2024 Nicaragua Martinelli recognized political asylum. Panama had previously refused to grant Nicaragua permission to transfer Martinelli to her country. The Colombian government had not previously commented on this topic.