Martinelli Flies From Panama to Miami as Corruption Probe Moves
Source: Bloomberg News
Martinelli Flies From Panama to Miami as Corruption Probe Moves
by 'By'Michael D McDonald
2:11 PM CST
February 4, 2015
(Bloomberg) -- Former Panama President Ricardo Martinelli, whose term ended in July, has racked up miles on his jets engines in the wake of allegations that he inflated $45 million in contracts through social programs during his administration.
Martinelli, who has rejected the allegations which prompted the Supreme Court to back an investigation last week, flew in his private jet from Panama to Guatemala to Miami after the decision. His plane continued on to Bologna, Italy, Panama City-based La Prensa reported. Martinelli lawyer Rogelio Cruz said the trip was planned before the Supreme Court decision and that he believes the former president is in the U.S.
Panamas nine Supreme Court judges ruled unanimously last week to allow a special prosecutor to investigate claims that Martinelli ordered the head of Panamas National Assistance Program to inflate and approve contracts to buy dehydrated food. The NAPs former director, Giacomo Tamburrelli, made the claims in an affidavit in December and is under house arrest for charges of fraud, embezzlement and crimes against the public administration. In a second affidavit last month, Tamburrelli said he didnt benefit from the contracts.
Its not true and its not proven, Cruz said when asked about the allegations against Martinelli. Cruz said he is seeking a legal hearing to have the investigation stopped.
This media circus about my trip is being done out of fear of the accusations I will be making, Martinelli posted on his Twitter account Jan. 30, without giving more details. They want it to seem like I left and wont return -- they shouldnt even dream of that.
Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-04/martinelli-flies-from-panama-to-miami-as-corruption-probe-moves
Judi Lynn
(160,621 posts)Panama's globe-trotting ex-president flees corruption probe
TIM JOHNSON
Last updated 12:21, February 3 2015
[font size=1]
JET SETTER: Disgraced former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli has said he's so rich he doesn't need to steal. [/font]
Panama has long been a haven for dictators and foreign ne'er-do-wells, but now its citizens are watching the curious spectacle of their own former president trotting the globe in a private jet, perhaps looking for refuge himself.
If former President Ricardo Martinelli returns to Panama, the likelihood of his arrest on corruption charges appears to grow by the day.
Martinelli left Panama last Wednesday aboard a 15-seat Hawker jet for Guatemala, then continued for refueling stops in Florida, Canada and Ireland before landing in Bologna, Italy.
Martinelli holds both Italian and Panamanian citizenship and is a good friend of Italy's disgraced former prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi. The two share legal troubles over corruption allegations that involve Italian companies. In Martinelli's case, the issues involve alleged kickbacks over the purchase of radars, helicopters and electronic mapping systems.
As Martinelli traveled, a criminal investigation into his 2009-14 government was tightening on those closest to him. On Sunday, Panama asked Interpol to put out a red alert for Martinelli's former private secretary, who is thought to be in the United States, on charges of embezzlement and corruption.
More:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/65716728/panamas-globetrotting-expresident-flees-corruption-probe
Judi Lynn
(160,621 posts)Report: Plane carrying ex-president of Panama, on corruption charges, lands at Shannon
31/01/2015 - 21:39:13Back to Ireland Home
It is being reported that the private plane of the former president of Panama touched down in Shannon Airport this morning.
Ricardo Martinelli, whose term as president finished last July, is facing charges of corruption.
Panamian newspaper La Prensa is reporting that his private plane landed in Shannon from Canada shortly before 3.30am this morning, but left later heading for London.
The aircraft had made several stops after leaving Guatemala city on Thursday, where Martinelli had attended a meeting of the Central American Parliament.
It is understood Ireland has no extradition agreement with Panama.
Martinelli left Panama the day the Supreme Court there launched an investigation into alleged corruption into the awarding of public contracts.
His spokesperson announced that the former president, who has claimed he is the victim of political persecution, would undertake an international tour.
More:
http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/report-plane-carrying-ex-president-of-panama-on-corruption-charges-lands-at-shannon-660384.html
Judi Lynn
(160,621 posts)Transparency International Central American chapters: No immunity for ex-Panama President
Posted 30 January 2015 by Fundación para el Desarrollo de la Libertad Ciudadana
Following the decision of the Supreme Court of Justice of Panama to recognize penal proceedings regarding corruption allegations against former president Ricardo Martinelli, Transparency Internationals chapters in Central America call for the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) to lift any parliamentary immunity or privilege he may have as a member of that body, in case this is required by Panamanian authorities.
It is important to note that parliamentary immunity originally conceived to avoid undue pressures on members of congress should not be abused, nor be a synonym for impunity.
The Central American Parliament, according to its regulations, has the power to make decisions regarding the immunity and privileges of its members through its Board of Directors and Plenary Assembly. It is essential that PARLACEN take the measures necessary to allow the investigations being carried out by Panamas judiciary to run their course, in this case of regional and global interest.
http://www.transparency.org/news/pressrelease/transparency_international_central_american_chapters_no_immunity_for_ex_pan
(Short statement, no more at link.)