Panama Prosecutor's Office requested maximum sentence for ex-president Martinelli | News

Nathan Rivera

01/06/2023

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The Panama Prosecutor's Office requested this Thursday the maximum sentence for the former president, Ricardo Martinelli, and 12 other people accused of the alleged crime of money laundering, considering that they incurred in a "continuous" violation and of which they are "authors".

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The prosecutor in the case, Emeldo Márquez, asked Judge Boloísa Marquínez for said measure as a solution to the case in which they are held responsible for the purchase, with alleged public funds, of the Editorial Panamá América SA (Epasa) for almost 44 million dollars in December 2010.

According to the Penal Code of that country, the penalties for the crime of money laundering range from six months to six years in prison, and can be increased "from a third to a half of the sentence" due to aggravating factors, as the prosecutor expressed.



This Thursday began the arguments phase of the defense of the defendants, who already pleaded not guilty on May 23, at the beginning of this trial hearing that will end next Monday.

The investigation consists of 164 volumes and began in 2017, when the Public Ministry learned of the commission of a crime against the economic order for the irregular purchase of a news media conglomerate.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, the disbursements in the New Business case were delivered by companies that in turn received contracts for different infrastructure works. All these actions were carried out in the 2009-2014 period of Martinelli's mandate.

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Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

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Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

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