PANAMA CITY — The Panamanian government announced on Thursday that the safe passage granted to former President Ricardo Martinelli to travel to Nicaragua has officially expired, following a lack of response from Nicaraguan authorities within the designated timeframe.
Martinelli, who was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison on money laundering charges, has sought asylum in Nicaragua since February 2024. He has remained at the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City while awaiting a decision from Managua.
In an official statement, Panama’s government confirmed that despite having submitted all required documents via diplomatic channels, Nicaragua failed to acknowledge or respond to the request for safe passage.
“As the Nicaraguan government did not provide a response during the original timeframe or its extension, the safe-conduct is now void,” the statement read.
While the travel authorization has lapsed, Panamanian authorities reaffirmed that Martinelli’s diplomatic asylum remains intact and will be respected under international conventions.