Panama court orders arrest of ex-president over spying
Panama court orders arrest of ex-president over spying
Source: Reuters - Tue, 22 Dec 2015 05:12 GMT
By Elida Moreno
PANAMA CITY, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Panama's top court on Monday ordered the arrest of former President Ricardo Martinelli who is alleged to have used public money to spy on more than 150 people illegally, one of a series of accusations he faces.
After more than four hours deliberating, Supreme Court judges voted for the provisional detention of the multimillionaire supermarket tycoon who ruled the Central American country from 2009 to 2014.
Martinelli, who oversaw a public works boom and Latin America's fastest economic growth in recent years, fled from Panama in January and is believed to be living in Miami.
Despite his initial popularity, his administration was tainted by allegations of corruption. He now faces half a dozen different investigations including into alleged misuse of public funds, financial crimes, taking bribes and giving illegal pardons.
More:
http://www.trust.org/item/20151222043925-t4z0w/
LBN:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141294349
[center]
Ricardo Martinelli.
In Italy with his friend, Silvio Berlusconi.
Bananama Republic Martinelli, Berlusconi.[/center]
