24 Deputies want Martinelli detained sons returned to Panama

24 Deputies from different legislative benches presented a note to the president of the National Assembly, asking the government of Laurentino Cortizo to initiate the steps to bring the Martinelli Linares brothers, detained in Guatemala,  awaiting extradition to the  US back to Panama. Mayín Correa, Democratic Change (CD)  said that five deputies from the ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party had signed their names; two from Molirena, 15 of CD, and the independent deputy Adán Bejerano. Among the signatory PRD members is Zulay Rodríguez.

“In the letter we ask that an investigative commission be formed, to find out the legal situation of the brothers, and bring them to Panama to be tried here,” Correa explained to La Prensa.

In the note, the deputies refer to the fact that the Martinelli Linares brothers are deputies of the Central American Parliament (Parlacen). “They have the same prerogatives and immunity as us,” said Correa, However, the regional body itself has recognized that, although they were elected in the May 2019 elections, they have never been sworn in and have never held office.

The signing of this letter came shortly after a group of CD deputies, met with the former president and founder of the group, Ricardo Martinelli.