Panama reaction to Martinelli arrest

THE ARREST and jailing of ex-president Ricardo Martinelli in Miami Florida has drawn predictably mixed reactions in Panama, and headlines around the world.
CD supporters many of whom are themselves facing trial for corruption or embezzlement were quick to return to the political persecution mantra.
Martinelli fled to Miami over two years ago, where has continued to hold court with his remaining CD Party faithful, while endeavoring to maintain control of his fractious National Assembly deputies and, like President Trump, has endeavoured to get pledges of loyalty while his army of lawyers set up delaying actions in the dozen court actions he is facing.
Balbina Herrera, a former presidential candidate and victim of illegal wiretaps during the government of Martinelli, said: “This has been a long time coming” She said that Martinelli could have avoided what is happening to him if he had faced Panama investigations.
“I think he could have escaped the international embarrassment,” said Herrera, who asked Martinelli to respect due process, “something he did not do to us when he was president.”
Another victim, attorney Rosendo Rivera, said he was pleased that US authorities had decided to accept the extradition request for Martinelli to face justice.
“We hope that the process is handled quickly and in the most appropriate way possible,” said Rivera, although he said that these procedures can take time.
Attorney Miguel Antonio Bernal said that “Martinelli should not have been allowed to leave the country,” which has delayed the matter.
Bernal commented that, like many other Panamanians, he expects Martinelli, and others involved in acts of corruption, to face justice, nut he questioned what he considers a lack of spirit on the part of the Panamanian authorities in achieving this.
Mitchell Doens, a former general secretary of the PRD and also a iretap victim. said that
Martinelli’s detention in Miami is “a very important step” in order to finally face Panamanian justice. But he also added the process is just beginning.
Doens acknowledged that this may take several days or weeks, but he hopes that “in the end this will be resolved in favor of all those who were victims.”
Martinelli has access to his lawyers but not to television. It is unclear if he is able to continue his daily Twitter barrage.

Meanwhile his spin doctor and lawyer Eduardo Camacho is hitting the persecution trail, while others are hot footing it to Miami where they are sure to be well rewarded if the extradition process drags on.