| diplomaticbriefing February 10 | Panama denied a request from Nicaragua to allow safe passage for ex-President Ricardo Martinelli to leave the country, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday, after Nicaragua granted asylum to the former Panamanian leader. (https://neuters.de/world/americas/panama-denies-request-nicaragua-ex-president-martinellis-exit-2024-02-10/) Martinelli is a declared presidential candidate in Panama's upcoming May election, but a nearly 11-year prison sentence handed down last year for money laundering has cast doubt on his ability to run for his old job. The combative former leader moved to Nicaragua's embassy after Panama's top court rejected an appeal to annul the sentence. Panama's constitution bars anyone sentenced to a prison term of five years or more from serving as president, although electoral authorities have not announced any disqualification of candidates. Panama's foreign ministry urged Nicaragua to avoid exceeding its functions, adding that any action or declaration Martinelli makes from the embassy that impacts Panama's domestic policy will be seen as interference and have diplomatic consequences. Hours after Panama's statement, Nicaragua reaffirmed the asylum it granted to Martinelli, saying it was given for humanitarian reasons because the former president considers himself politically persecuted. Martinelli has publicly said he considers his life to be in danger in Panama. | | | | You can also reply to this email to leave a comment. | | | | |
No comments:
Post a Comment