Ricardo Martinelli flees Panama for asylum in Colombia

In February 2024, former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli left the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City after over a year of seeking refuge there. His departure followed a prison sentence for money laundering that was upheld by the courts. The government of Panama confirmed that Martinelli had been granted safe passage to Colombia, where he was subsequently offered political asylum by Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Martinelli, age 73, had been sentenced to 10 years in prison related to a money laundering case connected with a publishing group. Throughout his presidency from 2009 to 2014, Martinelli's administration experienced rapid economic growth, characterized by construction projects such as the first metro in Central America. Despite this progress, his government was also marred with allegations of corruption, which culminated in his U.S. sanctions for corruption in January 2023. His political battles continued as he aspired to run for a second term in office but faced legal obstacles; after being convicted, he lost eligibility to pursue the presidency. Instead, Martinelli supported his party's current president, José Raúl Mulino. The granting of asylum followed Nicaragua's support of Martinelli when he sought refuge, a decision that the Panamanian government initially rejected when asked to allow his relocation to Nicaragua, potentially to avoid complications in the diplomatic relations between the countries. As political dynamics shift, Martinelli's escape and asylum claim have raised questions about the judiciary's integrity in Panama and the treatment of former leaders who face legal challenges. This situation highlights tensions in Central America's domestic politics and reflects broader themes of accountability versus political persecution. Political asylum protections often become a focal point of contention, revealing how nations navigate complex international laws regarding human rights and sovereignty.