Martinelli immunity ball bounces back to Electoral Tribunal

PANAMA’S Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) decided unanimously on Friday May 15, to ask the Electoral Tribunal (TE) to certify whether former President Ricardo Martinelli has electoral immunity

The decision was taken by the judges after “an enriching exchange of ideas, discussions and considerations” on complaints filed against the former president, for the alleged crime against individual freedom- in wiretapping scandal.
In a press release, the Court said it had instructed the General Secretariat to conduct due diligence, in order to “certify this condition, and, if so, in what capacity, since when and until when it extends.”
Ricardo Martinelli’s defense, which has tried numerous moves to keep their client out of court, argues that he enjoys the electoral franchise, as the Democratic Change (CD) internal election process remains open. The elections were called after criminal complaints relating to the National Assistance Program (PAN) were accepted by the Court.
The TE reported ton April 30 the electoral term of criminal impunity enjoyed by candidates, election officials, political party leaders, and volunteers who participated in the general election last May 4, 2014 had expired.
Martinelli left the country in January.