Panama’s ex-president, Martinelli, arrested in U.S.

Ricardo Martinelli, the former president of Panama, wanted on suspicion of corruption and spying on political opponents, was arrested in the U.S. on Tuesday, Martinelli’s lawyers in Panama confirmed.

He was arrested at his home in Miami, Florida, having fled Panama for the U.S. in January 2015.

His arrest was ordered in December 2015 by Panama’s top court, and international police organisation Interpol had recently announced a worldwide manhunt.

Martinelli, who was Panama’s president from 2009 to 2014, is accused of having ordered the illegal bugging of opposition politicians, businessmen and journalists.

The millionaire businessman is also accused of embezzlement and abuse of office.

Martinelli employed a number of lawyers, whose chief task was to stop his extradition from the U.S. to Panama.

(dpa/NAN)

Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility

Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.

For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.

By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.

DOWNLOAD THE PREMIUM TIMES MOBILE APP

Now available on

TEXT AD: To place a text-based advert here. Call Willie - +2347088095401

All rights reserved. This material and any other material on this platform may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, written or distributed in full or in part, without written permission from PREMIUM TIMES.