On Wednesday night, while the children of previous Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli got here in the country deported from the United States after serving a sentence in that nation for money laundering, the US government revealed the classification of the former president due to his involvement in significant acts of corruption by accepting allurements in exchange for improperly awarded federal government contracts throughout his term.
The United States is devoted to enforcing expenses on corrupt officials who weaken democracy and the rule of law.
Today we announce the classification of previous Panamanian President Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Berrocal for his involvement in considerable corruption, released US State Department Secretary Antony Blinken.The classification, that includes members of his instant household, was revealed by Antony Blinken after he ordered the elimination of siblings Luis Enrique and Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Linares from United States territory and their surrender to Panamanian authorities after serving a sentence for money laundering in the United States, the US Embassy in Panama said.Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli (Photo internet recreation)The Martinelli brothers were apparently accompanied from New York to Panama Citys Tocumen International Airport by officers of the United States Office of Detention and Removal and handed over to authorities of the National Immigration Service.On May 20, 2022, an US federal court sentenced the Martinelli Linares bros to 36 months in jail for worldwide bribery and cash laundering, after they pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit the criminal offense of money laundering to hide US$ 28 million in bribes from Odebrecht to benefit their father, previous President Ricardo Martinelli.
Since the Martinelli bros have actually been handed over to Panamanian authorities, it depends on the Panamanian justice system to determine the result of the cases against them in Panama, the US Embassy said.The public designation of the former Panamanian leader is made, the United States government stated, under Section 7031(c) of the State Departments Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2023, which states that authorities and previous officials of foreign governments about whom the secretary of state has reputable information of direct or indirect participation in acts of substantial corruption or gross human rights violations are disqualified to go into the United States, nor are their immediate member of the family.
Accepting kickbacks in exchange for agreements for government tasks weakens the integrity of Panamas democratic organizations and fuels perceptions of corruption and impunity, the statement from Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated.
Such acts of public corruption lessen rely on federal governments and decrease the resources readily available for schools, hospitals, roadways, and other services.
These designations declare the United States dedication to combating corruption, which harms the public interest, hinders economic success, and reduces the ability of governments to react efficiently to the needs of their people.
The United States stands with all Panamanians in support of democracy and the guideline of law, and will continue to promote responsibility for those who abuse public power for personal gain, no matter their office or political affiliation, the United States State Department interaction added.Mari Carmen Aponte, United States Ambassador to Panama, warned that this will not be our last visit in Panama.
Curbing corruption internationally is a concern for the United States, as corruption straight threatens our nationwide security.
I understand how concerned Panamanians are about corruption and combating it is among our top priorities as an embassy since corruption weakens the well-being of the population, the economy, and democracy, said the diplomat.On the other hand, the office of previous President Martinelli notified that it is examining , through its political advisors and legal representatives, the general public declaration made by the US to create the matching strategies and showed that there is no proof linking Ricardo Martinelli to illegal transactions with the State, neither in Panama nor in the United States.
Nothing and no one will divert us from the goal of taking Ricardo Martinelli to the presidency of the Republic, for the second time, the declaration said.The note was updated at 1:14 pm on January 26, after a statement from previous President Martinellis office to include his position.With info from Bloomberg