Panama judge calls two ex-presidents to trial in Odebrecht probe
This article is a summary of reporting by Reuters. Originally published November 9, 2022.
A Panama judge ordered former presidents Ricardo Martinelli and Juan Carlos Varela to face trial alongside dozens of other high-profile figures in connection with the sweeping Odebrecht graft investigation. The ruling follows years of legal proceedings examining how tens of millions of dollars in bribes were routed through offshore accounts to secure government contracts. The case marks a significant judicial reckoning for Panamanian politics, encompassing top officials from consecutive presidential administrations.
AI Summary
A Panamanian judge ordered two former presidents and a slate of other prominent figures to stand trial over the Odebrecht bribery and money laundering scheme.
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