Calay News
The court has sentenced Martinelli to 128 months in prison and a fine of $19 million, according to the ruling issued. Martinelli’s defense has the option of appealing the sentence before an appeals court or filing an appeal before the Supreme Court of Justice.
Martinelli has repeatedly called the process against him a “rigged impeachment” and claims it is part of a “political pursuit” to prevent him from running in the 2024 presidential election. He has expressed his belief that there are people who are violating the law and the judicial system to try to disqualify him politically.
The first prosecutor against organized crime had requested the maximum sentence of 12 years in prison for Martinelli, with the possibility of extending it to 18 years. This was due to the accusation of buying, in 2010 and with state money, the majority of the shares of Editora Panamá América through a complex partnership scheme. According to the accusation, 43.9 million dollars from illegal commissions related to infrastructure work contracts were used during his government.
Martinelli, 71, is seeking a return to power despite facing another trial in August in an alleged bribery-laundering case against Brazilian construction company Odebrecht. During the trial, the prosecutor claimed that Martinelli was the ultimate beneficiary of the transactions and that he received assets purchased with funds related to illicit activities.
Martinelli’s conviction has been considered historic and significant in the fight against corruption in Panama. The complicity of businessmen and other facilitators in the corruption scheme is highlighted, which reveals the reason why the country has been singled out on international lists. Despite his anti-corruption speeches during his tenure, several of his ministers were arrested for scandals.
Martinelli was previously jailed for two years in Panama and was extradited from the United States in 2018. In 2021, he was acquitted in a trial for allegedly spying on opponents. In addition, he and his immediate family are prohibited from entering the United States for their involvement in significant acts of corruption.
Martinelli’s conviction marks a milestone in the history of Panama and highlights the importance of fighting corruption and ensuring the accountability of political and business leaders.
