Panama is free to investigate former president Ricardo Martinelli who claims to be protected by the 1904 Extradition Treaty, signed between the United States and Panama, due to the principle of specialty says visiting US National Security Advisor, Robert O’Brien reinforcing previous pronouncements by the State Department and the US Embassy in Panama.

Martinelli is facing nearly a dozen criminal investigations including money laundering and Odebrecht.

 in an interview with La Prensa  O’Brien said: “As the United States government has already stated, Panama is free to investigate Mr. Martinelli without the need to obtain an exception to the rule of the specialty principle from the United States. The decision depends on the Panamanian justice system.”

“The United States and Panama have established a Task Force to prevent money laundering and corruption. This will be made up of Panamanian prosecutors, the justice system, and industry regulators who will be trained and advised by FBI personnel. This group will attack money laundering networks and their ability to investigate, stop, and prosecute crimes related to money laundering and acts of corruption will be strengthened. Its focus will be primarily those areas that are of greatest concern to both the United States and Panama, including the Colon Free Zone. This will also be a tool aimed at fighting corruption and guaranteeing judicial prosecution of those who steal State resources …. The Anti-Money Laundering and Corruption Task Force will assist with the fight against corruption by investigating anyone who attempts to launder assets derived from corruption activities said, O’Brien

Press freedom
Questioned about attacks on several media outlets in the region including La Prensa, which was recently the subject of a judicial kidnapping as part of a lawsuit filed by former President Ernesto Pérez Balladares) for having made publications related to alleged acts of corruption O’Brien said: “Freedom of the press is essential for a healthy democracy, this is a principle that we strongly share with Panama. An independent press is vital to ensuring the exchange of information and ideas that are key to a free, prosperous and safe society. Any attempt to undermine freedom of the press is a threat to democratic institutions. We would be distressed to know that there are attacks against freedom of the press or abuses of power.” ( The US revoked the visa of Pérez Balladares when he left office.)

Asked if  the United States be willing to punish politicians like Ricardo Martinelli, who has been accused of corruption, money laundering, and other crimes, as they have done in Venezuela and Nicaragua. O’Brien said:"At this time, the US government does not have any announcements to make regarding sanctions.

ernment does not have any announcements to make regarding sanctions.