Colombia Grants Asylum to Panama’s Ex-President Ricardo Martinelli Amid Legal Turmoil

Colombia has officially granted political asylum to Panama’s former President Ricardo Martinelli, who has faced mounting legal troubles in his home country. The Colombian Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Saturday, stating it aligns with Colombia’s long-standing humanist tradition of protecting individuals persecuted for political reasons.

Martinelli had been residing in the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City since February 2024, following the Panamanian Supreme Court’s decision to uphold his sentence of over 10 years in prison for money laundering. The former leader had sought refuge there to avoid incarceration while continuing to claim political persecution.

According to sources close to Martinelli, the ex-president has now left the Nicaraguan embassy and departed Panama for Colombia. Panamanian authorities confirmed that they provided safe passage for Martinelli to a local airport, adhering to international agreements, including the 1928 Convention on Asylum and the 1933 Convention on Political Asylum.

Martinelli, who previously served as Panama’s president from 2009 to 2014, remains a polarizing figure in national politics. Despite his conviction, he launched a presidential campaign in early 2024, maintaining a base of loyal supporters who view his legal woes as politically motivated.

The asylum decision is likely to spark diplomatic debate between Panama and Colombia, especially as Martinelli continues to be a controversial political actor. His relocation marks a significant turn in the region’s political asylum landscape, highlighting the intersection of international law, political conflict, and legal accountability in Latin America.

This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of political asylum practices and the legal treatment of high-profile figures across Central and South America. The situation remains fluid, with potential ramifications for future bilateral relations and regional stability.