Panama ex-President Martinelli to stand trial on money laundering charge

FILE PHOTO: Panama's former president Ricardo Martinelli is escorted by police officers and supporters while leaving a courthouse after being declared not guilty of spying charges in Panama City, Panama August 9, 2019. Martinelli's cap reads, "I survived Varela", referring to Panama's former president Juan Carlos Varela. REUTERS/Erick Marciscano

A Panamanian judge summoned former President Ricardo Martinelli to stand trial for a money laundering charge, investigators said on Friday.

Martinelli, who was in office from 2009 to 2014, is accused of laundering public funds through the purchase of a news outlet during his term. Nearly 20 others are charged in connection with the "New Business" case, as it is known.

In a statement earlier on Friday, Panama's judiciary said arguments presented in a preliminary case in November showed that the funds used in the purchase were of illegal origin.

FILE PHOTO: Luis Enrique and Ricardo, sons of former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, are seen after being detained to face extradition to the U.S. on money laundering charges, in Guatemala City, Guatemala July 6, 2020. REUTERS/Luis Echeverria

This is the second trial against Martinelli announced this year, and he is expected to testify in both in 2023.

Martinelli and his sons, Luis and Ricardo, are also charged in Panama for their alleged involvement in laundering millions of dollars in bribes from Brazilian construction company Odebrecht.

The two sons are currently serving prison sentences in the United States for their involvement in the scandal, which rocked South America.

Martinelli, who maintains his innocence, claims he is being politically targeted and has declared his intention to run as a candidate in the 2024 presidential elections.

(Reporting by Eli Moreno; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Sandra Maler)