Ricardo Martinelli: Panama's ex-leader guilty of money laundering
This article is a summary of reporting by BBC News. Originally published July 18, 2023.
A Panamanian court convicted former President Ricardo Martinelli of money laundering in July 2023, sentencing him to 10 years and eight months in prison. The high-profile case centered around the acquisition of a national publishing company using illicit government-linked funds known as the 'New Business' scheme. The legal verdict dealt a severe blow to Martinelli's political ambitions, complicating his prospective presidential campaign. Martinelli consistently denied wrongdoing, describing the proceedings as politically motivated.
AI Summary
Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli was sentenced to over 10 years in prison for money laundering related to the purchase of a media company.
More in Politics
Panamanian politicians react to President Mulino's support for Santiago Peña
Members of the National Assembly and former officials have expressed criticism regarding President Mulino's recent endorsement of Paraguayan President
Former Paraguayan goalkeeper criticizes Panamanian President Mulino over political comments
José Luis Chilavert has publicly challenged President José Raúl Mulino after the Panamanian leader voiced support for Paraguayan President Santiago Pe
The Panama Canal and the Torrijos-Carter Treaties
An official diplomatic history of the treaties that settled U.S.–Panama tensions and arranged the 1999 handover.
Panama president says port caught in US-China dispute
Panama's President defended state decisions regarding key port contracts while navigating superpower rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
Panama Papers: 10 years on, the promises and the failures
An examination of a decade of anti-corruption reforms and lingering systemic weaknesses following the Panama Papers leak.
Rubio hails Panama's move to exit Chinese infrastructure plan
U.S. officials welcomed Panama's decision to pull back from Beijing-backed infrastructure initiatives amid heightened international tension.