Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli has been sentenced to over 10 years in prison for money laundering. The case, known as "New Business," began in 2017 when authorities discovered possible financial crimes related to the purchase of a news outlet. Martinelli's defense plans to appeal the sentence, and his lawyer asserts that his candidacy for a new term next year is still strong. Martinelli had been seen as the front-runner in a recent survey, but now faces a $19.2 million fine and a legal attack on his reputation. The United States had previously barred Martinelli from entering the country due to bribery allegations.

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