Panama: Ex-President Stands Trial Over Alleged Odebrecht Bribes

A Panamanian court opened the trial of former president Ricardo Martinelli, who pleaded not guilty to allegations of receiving $59 million in bribes from Odebrecht during his 2010–2014 administration, while also noting his prior 2023 conviction for money laundering. The report situates the case within the wider Odebrecht corruption scandal that has implicated multiple Latin American leaders and led to convictions in countries such as Peru and investigations in Guatemala.