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Media sources in the Republic of Panama have reported that the wife and grown sons of the fugitive former president of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, have had their visas, permitting entry into the United States, cancelled. The family reportedly attempted to board their private plane, at an airport near Panama city, and were ordered not to attempt to depart for America. They have denied that they sought to leave Panama, for the United States, but sources assert that they did, indeed, seek to exit their country, where Martinelli's sons may soon be facing criminal charges of their own.
Ricardo Martinelli has been openly living in Miami for two years; his extradition, to face more than a dozen criminal charges, appears to be in limbo, raising questions about whether the United States Government, or one of its law enforcement agencies, is protecting him from being sent to Panama.
The revocation of US Visas could also be a signal that the United States may now be reconsidering Martinelli's extradition. His sons have been named as the recipients of an alleged $6m bribe, paid to them in the Odebrecht construction scandal, and Swiss authorities have stated that they froze multiple bank accounts, believed to be those of the Martinelli family, containing the proceeds of corrupt activities.
Ricardo Martinelli has been openly living in Miami for two years; his extradition, to face more than a dozen criminal charges, appears to be in limbo, raising questions about whether the United States Government, or one of its law enforcement agencies, is protecting him from being sent to Panama.
The revocation of US Visas could also be a signal that the United States may now be reconsidering Martinelli's extradition. His sons have been named as the recipients of an alleged $6m bribe, paid to them in the Odebrecht construction scandal, and Swiss authorities have stated that they froze multiple bank accounts, believed to be those of the Martinelli family, containing the proceeds of corrupt activities.
Chronicles of Monte Friesner
Contributed by Kenneth Rijock
