'Panama Papers' trial starts. 27 people charged in the worldwide money laundering case
FOX NewsApr 01
The Facts
Two sons of former Panamanian Pres. Ricardo Martinell on Wednesday returned to Panama after serving three years in prison in the US for money laundering in a case related to the Odebrecht construction firm scandal.
The US State Department has banned Martinelli and his two sons from ever traveling to the US, adding that the former president participated in “significant corruption” by awarding government contracts based on bribes.
The Spin
Narrative A
Former Pres. Martinelli is a corrupt politician who participated in a grand scheme of ill-intentioned behavior that undermined democracy and sold out his country for profit. He and his sons have no place in leadership after their years of corruption and financial crimes.
Narrative B
Former Pres. Martinelli and his sons have the right to defend themselves and free themselves from unlawful prosecution. There’s no evidence linking the former president or his associates to any illegal transactions. Despite the hardship he and his family have endured, at least they’ve been reunited while they look to win their case and clear their names.
