Colombia Grants Asylum to Richard Martinelli, Ex-President of Panama
Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli has departed the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City, where he had sought refuge for over a year, and has traveled to Colombia after being granted political asylum by Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Martinelli, 73, was sentenced in July 2023 to ten years in prison for money laundering related to the purchase of a publishing group. He sought asylum from Nicaragua after Panama’s Supreme Court upheld his conviction, but Panama refused to allow his transfer to Nicaragua. Colombia has now formally granted Martinelli asylum, and Panama provided safe passage. Martinelli governed Panama from 2009 to 2014, overseeing significant infrastructure projects during a period of strong economic growth but also faced allegations of corruption. The U.S. sanctioned him in early 2023. Despite legal issues, he attempted a political comeback and won his party’s nomination but became ineligible following his conviction. He ultimately supported his running mate, current President José Raúl Mulino. Martinelli claims the charges were politically motivated. (apnews.com)
Martinelli’s departure from the Nicaraguan embassy marks the end of a prolonged period of diplomatic tension. After his conviction, he sought refuge in the embassy, claiming political persecution and an imminent risk to his life. Nicaragua granted him asylum, but Panama denied his request for safe passage to Nicaragua, citing the 1928 Convention on Asylum, which prohibits granting asylum in diplomatic missions to individuals condemned for common crimes. This led to a stalemate, with Martinelli remaining in the embassy for over a year. (apnews.com)
The situation has now been resolved with Colombia’s intervention. Colombian authorities justified the asylum on humanitarian grounds, citing the country’s tradition of protecting individuals persecuted for political reasons. In accordance with international conventions on political asylum from 1928 and 1933, Panamanian authorities provided safe passage for Martinelli from the embassy to a local airport, facilitating his departure to Colombia. (reuters.com)
Martinelli’s case has been a significant point of contention in Panamanian politics. His conviction and subsequent asylum requests have highlighted the complexities of international asylum laws and the challenges of balancing legal obligations with humanitarian considerations. The resolution of his case may have broader implications for future asylum requests in the region. (elpais.com)
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