Martinelli must face the law – Varela

“EVERYONE must face the law,”  said Panama President Juan Carlos Varela on Thursday, September 29, when questioned about  the arrest warrant and extradition request for ex-president Ricardo Martinelli.

He spoke to media during a visist to Bocas Del Toro

“There are people who are very brave when they are violating the law and then frightened when they have to deal with the consequences,” said Varela.

He said that the prosecution of cases related to corruption are needed to send a message to future officials that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The Foreign Ministry submitted its extradition request this week to the United States, where Martinelli has been  living since h e fled Panama in January 2015.

When asked if Martinelli should return to the country, President Varela said: “Everyone has to deal with their conscience.”