"Former Panama President Ricardo Martinelli Convicted of Money Laundering"

Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli has been found guilty of money laundering and sentenced to 10 years and eight months in jail. Martinelli, who denies any wrongdoing, plans to appeal the verdict, which comes ahead of Panama's presidential election. Last month, his party nominated him as its presidential candidate. Martinelli previously faced charges of embezzlement and spying, but was acquitted. He still faces another trial for allegedly laundering bribes from Brazilian firm Odebrecht. The judge ruled that Martinelli and others used public funds to buy a majority share in a media group, which then supported his government. Martinelli has been ordered to pay a fine of $19.2m.