Privacy & human rights security

Former Panama president Ricardo Martinelli to be charged with political espionage

A special Panamanian prosecutor plans to charge the former president Ricardo Martinelli with running an illegal political espionage ring during his administration using public funds, according to an indictment seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

Prosecutors say Martinelli, 63, used taxpayer money and government employees to listen to calls, read messages and have activists, politicians, union members, lawyers, doctors and other civil groups followed.

The political espionage was “a constant and systematic violation of the privacy and human rights of Panamanians”, said Harry Diaz, the magistrate who is prosecuting Martinelli because he is a current member of the Central American Parliament.