Ex-Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli Convicted Of Money Laundering
Rohan Parakkad / Jul 19 2023, 09:04 AM EST
Ricardo Martinelli has been sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison. PHOTO BY: REUTERS/DENIS BALIBOUSE
Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, aged 71, has been found guilty of money laundering by a court in Panama. He has been sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison. Despite maintaining his innocence and alleging political motivations behind the charges, Martinelli plans to appeal the verdict.
This conviction comes just ahead of Panama's upcoming presidential election. Notably, Mr. Martinelli's party had previously selected him as its presidential candidate, but the recent ruling has raised uncertainties about his candidacy. This conviction comes just ahead of Panama's upcoming presidential election.
Notably, Mr. Martinelli's party had previously selected him as its presidential candidate, but the recent ruling has raised uncertainties about his candidacy. Having served as President from 2009 to 2014, he has faced multiple legal challenges since leaving office.
It is worth mentioning that two years ago, Martinelli was cleared of separate charges related to embezzlement and illegal surveillance of political opponents and journalists through phone tapping, BBC reported.
More:
https://www.latintimes.com/ex-panamanian-president-ricardo-martinelli-convicted-money-laundering-545584
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