Panama sends U.S. extradition request for ex-president Martinelli

Panama's former president Ricardo Martinelli (C) stands outside the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) in Guatemala City January 29, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer


PANAMA CITY Panama has sent the U.S. Department of State an extradition request for former President Ricardo Martinelli to be returned to the Central American nation, a spokesman for Panama's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.


Martinelli, who is accused of using public money to spy illegally on more than 150 people, left Panama in January last year and is believed to be living in Miami.


The request was made on Monday, the spokesman said, adding that there was no timetable for his potential return due to the analysis of the request that would have to be carried out by U.S. authorities.


(Reporting by Elida Moreno)

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