Ex-President Martinelli Granted Asylum in
Photo: Agustin Herrera/AP/TT

Ex-President Martinelli Granted Asylum in Colombia After Conviction

Panama's ex-president Ricardo Martinelli has been granted asylum in Colombia, and has been allowed to travel there.

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Martinelli was sentenced to nearly eleven years in prison despite his denial of money laundering in the Odebrecht scandal, but took refuge at Nicaragua's embassy to serve his sentence. After fifteen months at the embassy, Martinelli was granted asylum in Colombia, and Panama gave him a free pass from the embassy.

The former president posted an update from Colombia's capital Bogotá late on Saturday, stating he was happy and satisfied.

The former businessman was president of Panama from 2009 to 2014. He led in opinion polls ahead of the election, but was prevented from running due to the verdict, and the election was instead won by his partner José Raúl Mulino.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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