PANAMA CITY, Panama: Panama has refused to grant safe passage to its former president, Ricardo Martinelli, who sought asylum at the Nicaraguan embassy following a scandal-ridden tenure.
Martinelli, serving an almost 11-year prison sentence for misappropriating public funds, faced rejection of his final appeal by Panama’s Supreme Court last week. Nicaragua granted him asylum, prompting calls for his swift departure from Panama.
Despite Nicaragua’s plea for “prompt departure” on humanitarian grounds, Panama rejected the request for Martinelli’s safe-conduct, citing diplomatic conventions. The former leader’s hopes of reelection in May were dashed by the Supreme Court ruling, prompting Panama’s election authorities to formalize his exclusion from the race.
Martinelli’s asylum at the Nicaraguan embassy sparked diplomatic tensions, with Panama asserting that political activities from foreign embassies affecting its internal politics are incompatible. In response, Nicaragua accused Panama of violating asylum conventions.
The 71-year-old ex-president, previously acquitted of espionage and embezzlement charges, faces a separate trial post-elections for alleged bribery linked to public works projects during his presidency. Despite his tumultuous political legacy, Martinelli’s future remains uncertain amid legal battles and diplomatic disputes.
