Judge to decide on espionage trial for Panama ex-leader
Judge to decide on espionage trial for Panama ex-leader
Updated 6:03 pm CST, Monday, November 19, 2018
PANAMA CITY (AP) — Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli has made a noisy court appearance ahead of a ruling on whether he should stand trial for alleged political espionage.
The 66-year-old ex-leader raised his handcuffed hands above his head and shouted at reporters, saying "I'm innocent!" He accused Judge Geronimo Mejia of wanting to prosecute him to win a Supreme Court seat from current President Carlos Varela.
Mejia said the hearing could take time and asked for patience.
. . .
Martinelli is accused of intercepting the communication sof at least 150 people and spending millions on spy equipment during his 2009-2014 term.
https://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Judge-to-decide-on-espionage-trial-for-Panama-13405610.php
LBN:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142206472
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Martinelli, campaign photo
From last June:
Panama City (AFP) - Panamanian former president Ricardo Martinelli was taken to hospital early Tuesday, one day after he was extradited from the United States to face charges of spying on journalists and opponents.
Martinelli, 66, was suffering from heart problems, said Angel Cedeno, director of the Santo Tomas public hospital in Panama City.
"We have him in intensive care, he's stable and medicated to control his hypertension," Cedeno told reporters.
More:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/extradited-former-panama-president-martinelli-hospitalized-144132499.html
(Apparently he was busy showing he wasn't worried for the photographers, then had himself admitted to the hospital, contending he was so sick.)