Transparency International: Colombia's asylum for Panama’s convicted ex-president undermines anti-corruption fight

Berlin — Transparency International strongly condemns Colombia's decision to grant asylum to former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, who was convicted of money laundering. This move allows him to evade accountability and sets a bad precedent for the region.

Over the weekend, Martinelli was granted safe passage to Colombia after spending more than a year inside the Nicaraguan diplomatic mission in Panama City, where he sought refuge to avoid serving a 10-year prison sentence for money laundering. This case is not unique in the region. Just last month, Brazil granted political asylum to Peru’s former first lady, Nadine Heredia, and her son, despite her 15-year prison sentence for money laundering handed down by the Peruvian judiciary. This is part of a pattern of misuse of asylum in Latin America to protect corrupt individuals, which should not become a trend in the region.

It is an international law obligation of Colombia to give asylum to those who have a “well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country” but in the case of Martinelli there is no sign of such persecution.

Maira Martini, CEO of Transparency International, said:

“The decision to provide asylum to Ricardo Martinelli is nothing short of an assault on the rule of law and accountability. High-level politicians should not be permitted, time and again, to evade justice. This sets a dangerous precedent that could further erode trust in legal institutions and have a damaging effect on anti-corruption efforts throughout the region.”

Panama is a democracy with a functioning judicial system, and there is no evidence to suggest political persecution in Martinelli’s case. His conviction followed due process, and the sentence was final and non-appealable under Panamanian law. Shielding him from justice severely undermines legal integrity, not only in Panama and Colombia but across Latin America, where efforts to prosecute high-level corruption remain fragile and infrequent. Governments in the region must not turn a blind eye to these actions and should reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law.