Colombia Grants Asylum to Former Panama President Ricardo Martinelli

Colombia's Foreign Ministry has confirmed political asylum for Ricardo Martinelli, who sought refuge in the Nicaraguan embassy to avoid prison for money laundering.

The Colombian government announced on Saturday that it has granted asylum to Ricardo Martinelli, the former president of Panama, who had been taking refuge in the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City for over a year to escape a prison sentence related to money laundering charges. Martinelli, who served as Panama's president from 2009 to 2014, confirmed via social media that he had arrived in Bogotá, claiming his status as a political refugee.

After being convicted in 2023 for money laundering linked to a corrupt funding scheme involving a government contractor, Martinelli was sentenced to ten years in prison and fined $19 million. His conviction was upheld by Panama’s Supreme Court. He contends that the allegations against him are politically charged.

Despite receiving asylum from Nicaragua last year, Martinelli remained within the embassy’s confines, equipped with basic furnishings and his pet dog, Bruno. He initially planned to campaign for the May 2024 presidential election from within the embassy. However, just two months before the election, Panama's electoral tribunal disqualified him due to his criminal conviction. His running mate, José Raúl Mulino, replaced him on the ballot and heavily invoked Martinelli's legacy during the campaign, leading to a decisive electoral victory.

Mike Ives, a reporter for The Times based in Seoul, provides coverage of global breaking news.