Panama Recalls Ambassador to Nicaragua Over Activities of Asylum Seeker and Former President Martinelli

Panama has recalled its ambassador to Nicaragua in response to the activities of former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, who has been granted asylum in Nicaragua. Martinelli was convicted of money laundering in 2017 and sentenced to over 10 years in prison, which bars him from running for president under Panama's constitution.

Panamanian authorities have protested the "flagrant and repeated" violation of international law by Nicaraguan Embassy officials related to Martinelli's case. The facts may constitute a crime of "injuries, illegal deprivation of liberty and disclosure of the secret of communications," according to Panamanian officials.

The U.S. government has also barred Martinelli and his family from entering the country due to his involvement in "significant" corruption. The drama surrounding Martinelli's case has added uncertainty to Panama's upcoming presidential election, set for May 5, 2024.

Why this matters: The diplomatic dispute between Panama and Nicaragua over Martinelli's asylum and activities while in Nicaragua has broader implications for regional relations and the rule of law. It also casts a shadow over Panama's presidential election, in which Martinelli is constitutionally barred from running due to his corruption conviction.

In a separate development, the G7 foreign ministers have urged Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega to release the country's political prisoners, currently totaling 138. Six of the eight candidates in Panama's presidential election recently debated their plans for job creation and water management. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on a challenge to allow one of the leading candidates, José Raúl Mulino, to run without a vice presidential candidate.

Key Takeaways

• Panama recalls ambassador to Nicaragua over ex-president Martinelli's asylum
• Martinelli convicted of money laundering, barred from running for president
• U.S. bars Martinelli and family from entry due to "significant" corruption
• Diplomatic dispute casts shadow over Panama's 2024 presidential election
• G7 urges Nicaragua to release political prisoners, Panama court to rule on candidate