Nicaragua Grants Asylum to Ex-Panamanian President Martinelli

Ricardo Martinelli, convicted of money laundering, receives political asylum amid claims of political persecution and threats to his life.

Nicaragua has granted political asylum to former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, following Panama's Supreme Court's rejection of his appeal over a money laundering conviction.
Martinelli sought asylum citing political persecution and imminent threats to his life, safety, and physical integrity.
Despite his conviction, Martinelli had registered as a presidential candidate in Panama's current race but was disqualified after the appeal's rejection.
Martinelli's case involves the irregular handling of state contracts and a complex series of foreign money transfers totaling $43 million, leading to his conviction for money laundering.
Martinelli's asylum in Nicaragua follows a pattern of former presidents fleeing legal issues to the country, with President Daniel Ortega's administration previously granting citizenship to ex-President Mauricio Funes of El Salvador.