Former president sentenced to 128 months in prison

The verdict has been released in the case of Martinelli, 71, who is preparing again for the presidential race in Panama, on charges of money laundering through the purchase of a media company. Martinelli was sentenced to 128 months in prison and fined $19 million.

Martinelli, who has several accusations against him, was nominated by his party last month for the presidential elections to be held on May 5, 2024 in the country.

I WAS DETAINED IN THE USA

Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, for whom an arrest warrant was issued in December 2015, was arrested in the US in 2017 and extradited to his country in June 2018. The corruption allegations against Martinelli were not included in the extradition request.

A Panamanian court lifted the house arrest order in August 2019 and acquitted Martinelli of “spying through wiretapping on at least 150 people and using public funds for this espionage” during his 2009-2014 government. (AA)