Former Panama President Ricardo Martinelli Speaks of Political Persecution

Former President Ricardo Martinelli detailed that he was removed from office through a fabricated case that violated the law and due process, all because, as he said, he was going to win overwhelmingly with the support of the Panamanian people. "That is what I always asked for for myself, my family, and it is the only thing I wish for in Panama, that there be law, justice, and due process," he expressed. Despite considering that in his case there were no laws or procedural guarantees, Martinelli reiterated that he still believes that justice must exist and be equal for all Panamanians without exception. The former president Ricardo Martinelli assured that in Panama the true responsible parties for facing judicial processes are still missing, pointing to former President Laurentino Cortizo, and very especially, to his brother Roy Cortizo. The former head of state recalled that for years his family and he have been the subject of a political persecution, which he described as unjust, ruthless, and illegal. He added that he is not equal to all those who persecuted him, and on his part, he only expects that due process exists for everyone including Cortizo, as it should be in a true democracy. He mentioned that they gave him asylum to get him out of the way and today they keep him exiled, far from his country and all his loved ones. In addition, he clarified that he does not wish anyone ill nor does he rejoice in the misfortune of others, since his heart is not filled with hatred or resentment. "The only thing I wish is to be able to spend my final years with my family and my grandchildren," he stated. In a video posted on his social networks, Martinelli stated that former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo, who was apprehended this Tuesday for an accusation of unjust enrichment, is not an "angel of his devotion," and is being used as a "scapegoat," since "the big ones" are still free in impunity. "They did not want you to elect me president because I was going to resolve the country's economic situation so that there would be a decent job, development, and above all, much 'chen chen' for all my people," he commented.