VOICED : Fiscalia panamena imputa a expresidentes Martinelli y Varela por blanqueo de capitales

Panama's justice system has charged former presidents Ricardo Martinelli and Juan Carlos Varela with money laundering. Martinelli is under investigation for the New Business case involving alleged misuse of public funds to buy a media group. He was previously jailed for espionage charges but was acquitted in 2019. Varela is being investigated for allegedly receiving $10 million in donations from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht, which admitted to paying $59 million in bribes to Panamanian officials. Varela has pledged to prove his innocence.

What legal restrictions were placed on the former presidents of Panama?

• They must report to authorities monthly and cannot leave the country.

• They are required to attend weekly court hearings.

• They are under house arrest and cannot use the internet.

• They must wear electronic monitoring devices.

What is the New Business case concerning Ricardo Martinelli about?

• Alleged misuse of public funds to buy a media group.

• Illegal wiretapping of political opponents.

• Tax evasion and fraud.

• Bribery in infrastructure projects.

What was the outcome of Ricardo Martinelli's previous legal battle?

• He was fined heavily but avoided jail time.

• He was sentenced to five years in prison.

• He fled the country to avoid prosecution.

• He was exonerated by a tribunal.

What is Juan Carlos Varela accused of in relation to Odebrecht?

• Receiving $10 million in donations for his party.

• Embezzling funds from public projects.

• Engaging in illegal surveillance activities.

• Accepting bribes for government contracts.

How much did Odebrecht admit to paying in bribes to Panamanian officials?

• $100 million

• $10 million

• $25 million

• $59 million