PANAMA CITY, 28 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – The Panamanian government on Thursday granted safe passage to former president Ricardo Martinelli, allowing him to leave the country over a year after seeking asylum at the Nicaraguan embassy.

Martinelli, who was sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison in 2023 for money laundering, has been authorised to travel to Nicaragua, according to Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha.

“Safe passage has been granted strictly for humanitarian reasons, enabling him to continue his defence under more favourable conditions than those currently available,” stated Martinez-Acha.

The minister further noted that Martinelli, a close ally of right-wing President Jose Raul Mulino, would be able to receive medical treatment that could significantly improve his quality of life.

Now aged 73, Martinelli served as Panama’s president from 2009 to 2014. He was convicted of using embezzled public funds to purchase shares in a publishing house.

Claiming to be the target of political persecution, Martinelli sought refuge in the Nicaraguan embassy in February 2024, just before an arrest warrant was issued against him. He was initially the frontrunner in opinion polls for the May 2024 presidential election but was ultimately disqualified and replaced by his running mate, Mulino.

A wealthy businessman prior to his presidency, Martinelli has faced multiple investigations into corruption scandals since leaving office.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Martinelli stated: “Together with my son, family, and loved ones, I have made the decision to accept safe passage as a political refugee to Nicaragua. I am innocent of this unjust political process.”