Nicaragua has granted asylum to Panama's former President Ricardo Martinelli, who is currently facing a lengthy prison sentence in Panama and is campaigning to return to the presidency in the upcoming elections. Martinelli considers himself a victim of political persecution and claims his life is in "imminent" danger. Despite his conviction on money laundering charges and the rejection of his appeal, he has been leading in polls for the presidential election. Nicaragua has previously granted asylum to former presidents of nearby El Salvador.
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.
