Martinelli’s son files two appeals to stall extradition to US

Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares, detained in Guatemala for 10 months, presented two appeals to prevent his eventual extradition to the United States, where he is required – with his brother Ricardo Alberto – for alleged crimes related to money laundering.

The amparos were presented before the Supreme Court of Guatemala, against decisions adopted by the Fifth Court of Criminal Sentencing, Drug Trafficking and Crimes against the Environment, which is responsible for deciding the delivery of Luis Enrique to the United States.

The process followed by Ricardo Alberto is settled in another court: the Third Criminal Sentence, Drug Trafficking and Crimes against the Environment.

Luis Enrique Martinelli’s defense claims that the Fifth Court judges have not accepted the evidence presented by their lawyers, said Rony Ríos, of the Guatemalan newspaper El Periódico .

Since their capture, on July 6, at the La Aurora airport in Guatemala City, the defense of the children of former President Ricardo Martinelli has been based on the fact that they are both diplomats and alternate deputies of the Parlacen. The regional body has recognized that the brothers have never been sworn in or have served as such, although they were elected in office in the general elections of May 2019.

The two sons are requested for extradition to answer for an accusation filed in the Eastern District Court of New York, on three charges: one for allegedly conspiring to launder money, and two more, for hiding information about laundering.

Luis Enrique faces two additional charges, for the alleged use of money obtained through money laundering.