Martinelli immunity lifted in wiretapping case

PANAMA’S Electoral Tribunal (TE) lifted the immunity from criminal prosecution of former president Ricardo Martinelli, at the request of the Supreme Court, which is conducting an investigation in the case of illegal wiretapping

The resolution was signed on Monday August 3 by the judges Heriberto Arúz, Yara Campo –alternate for Eduardo Valdés Escoffery-, Lourdes González –alternate for Erasmo Pinilla-.
Martinelli’s lawyers will have two days to file an appeal
The Supreme Court asked in July for the lifting of the immunity after a criminal opened a criminal case was opened against Martinelli, for allegedly committing crimes against the public administration and the inviolability of secrecy and right to privacy, the “wiretaps” that occurred during his administration (2009-2014).
The Public Ministry proved that communications of about 150 people, including businessmen, journalists, civil society leaders and political opponents of Martinelli’s government were intercepted.
Meanwhile, Martinelli has been out of the country for over six months. On January 28 he left Panama for a “world tour” in which he planned to “denounce” political persecution, according to his spokesmen.
His lawyers say that he is in Miami.

Dimas Guevara, one of Martinelli’s lawyers, said Monday that had not received an official document from the TE to notify the lifting of immunity.

However, he said that when he has the resolution he will analyze the issues raised by the judges and lodge the appeal for reconsideration reports La Prensa.