Ex-Panamanian President Martinelli Granted Political Asylum by Nicaragua Amidst Money Laundering Conviction Uproar
Nicaragua has provided political asylum to ex-President Ricardo Martinelli of Panama, following the recent dismissal of his appeal by Panama’s highest court to overturn a money laundering conviction and prison sentence.
According to a diplomatic note that Nicaragua’s government sent to Panama’s foreign ministry, Martinelli requested asylum because he “considered himself persecuted for political reasons and thinks that his life, physical integrity, and safety are at imminent risk.”
On Wednesday, Martinelli sought asylum at the Nicaraguan Embassy in Panama City. He plans to stay there until the Panamanian government approves his safe travel to Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, as conveyed by Martinelli’s press team to CNN.
CNN has reached out to Panama’s government for comment.
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Last July, Martinelli was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison and ordered to pay a fine of more than $19.2 million after he was declared guilty, along with four other people, of money laundering in a case known as “New Business.”
The matter pertains to a publishing conglomerate allegedly acquired with funds derived from improperly managed state contracts, as asserted by the public prosecutor’s office. Martinelli asserted his innocence in court, claiming to be a victim of political persecution.
Despite being convicted, the ex-president avoided imprisonment and was granted permission to participate as a presidential candidate in the ongoing election.
The “New Business” case appeal was turned down by Panama’s Supreme Court last week, thereby upholding Martinelli’s previous conviction and barring him from participating as a presidential candidate.
Ex-Panamanian President Martinelli Granted Political Asylum by Nicaragua Amidst Money Laundering Conviction Uproar