Last Monday, when it seemed that his trip to Managua was imminent, after remaining a refugee for more than a year in the embassy of Nicaragua in this capital, Managua issued a statement in which it indicated that it would not receive the 73-year-old ex-governor due to a possible Interpol red alert against him which has not yet been clarified. Still, the Panamanian authorities explained that it was nonexistent and improper and extended the exit permit for 72 hours.

Martinelli remains in that diplomatic representation since February 7, 2024, after being sentenced for money laundering in the New Business case to 10 years and eight months in prison and paying a fine of 19.2 million dollars after the purchase with State resources of the publishing company Panama America.

Lawyers of the former president, such as Alfredo Vallarino, told the press that they are still waiting for an official statement to allow the trip, but the deadline expires this Thursday at midnight.

Outside the embassy there is a vigil of Martinelli’s followers and of his Realizando Metas (RM) party, a concentration that increases as the date granted for his departure from the country is approaching.

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