Colombia granted political asylum to former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli on May 10, 2025, enabling his departure from Nicaraguas embassy in Panama City after a 16-month refuge.The Colombian Foreign Ministry confirmed the decision, coordinating safe passage via diplomatic vehicle to an airport for a flight to Bogot.
Martinelli, 73, faces a 10-year prison sentence in Panama for laundering $19 million through contractors during his 2010 purchase of a publishing conglomerate.Panamas Supreme Court upheld the conviction in 2023, barring Martinelli from the 2024 presidential race.
His running mate, Jos Ral Mulino, replaced him on the ballot and won the election, campaigning on Martinellis infrastructure legacy, including Panama Citys metro system.Nicaragua initially granted Martinelli asylum in February 2024, allowing him to avoid incarceration while living in its embassy with his dog, Bruno.Colombian President Gustavo Petro framed the asylum as adherence to the 1928 Convention on Asylum and 1933 Convention on Political Asylum, emphasizing Colombias humanitarian tradition.Colombia Grants Asylum to Panamas Ex-President After 16-Month Embassy Refuge.
(Photo Internet reproduction)Panamas government issued a safe-conduct pass, citing treaty obligations despite Martinellis conviction.
The ex-president announced his arrival in Bogot on social media, thanking Petro and Nicaraguan leaders Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.Martinellis Asylum in Colombia Sparks Diplomatic TensionsMartinelli governed Panama from 2009 to 2014, overseeing economic growth fueled by infrastructure projects amid corruption allegations.
The U.S.
sanctioned him in 2023 for significant graft.His relocation to Colombia avoids immediate imprisonment but leaves unresolved questions about future extradition.
Panama has not signaled plans to pursue further legal action.The case highlights Latin Americas complex interplay of political asylum and judicial accountability, particularly for business-linked leaders.Martinellis asylum underscores regional alliances, with Nicaragua and Colombia positioning themselves as defenders of sovereignty against perceived judicial overreach.For Panama, the episode tests diplomatic relations while reinforcing the legal systems independence.
Business analysts note the potential impact on investor confidence, given Martinellis ongoing influence and Panamas reliance on international partnerships for canal operations.