Spanish
Bogotá, May 10, 2025 – The Colombian government confirmed this Saturday that it has granted political asylum to former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014), who is already in Colombian territory after leaving the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City.
Through an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia indicated that the measure was approved by President Gustavo Petro and duly notified to the Panamanian Government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the decision responds to the principle of protection for people persecuted for political reasons, in line with the humanitarian tradition of the nation.
Martinelli, 73, had been taking refuge in the Nicaraguan diplomatic headquarters since February 2024, when he was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for the "New Business" case, which links him to the irregular purchase of a media conglomerate using public funds. He was also sanctioned with a multimillion-dollar fine.
The former president left Panama after a long process marked by diplomatic tensions between his country and Nicaragua. In March, the elected government of José Raúl Mulino —politically supported by Martinelli— had issued a safe-conduct to facilitate his departure to Nicaragua, although the trip did not materialize. Previously, in February, the administration of Laurentino Cortizo had rejected a similar request.
In addition to the "New Business" case, Martinelli faces other legal proceedings in Panama related to the Odebrecht scandal and in Spain, where he is investigated for alleged bribery and illegal wiretapping during his stay in Mallorca.
With his arrival in Colombia, a new chapter opens in the complex judicial and political history of the former Panamanian president.
