Colombia Grants Asylum to Richard Martinelli, Ex-President of Panama

The Colombian government granted asylum to Ricardo Martinelli, former president of Panama, who had sought refuge in the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City to avoid a prison sentence for money laundering. Martinelli, 73, was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to 10 years in prison and a $19 million fine, a ruling he claims was politically motivated. After being transported from the embassy to an airport, he arrived in Bogotá, where he noted his intention to campaign for Panama’s presidential election, though he was disqualified due to his conviction.

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