A Miami judge will decide next week whether former Panama President Ricardo Martinelli should be extradited on surveillance and embezzlement charges.

The Panamanian government requested Martinelli's extradition after his June arrest in Coral Gables on charges of using public funds to buy sophisticated wiretapping equipment. He is accused of illegally monitoring political opponents, journalists and business competitors during his presidency, which lasted from 2009 to 2014.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres heard arguments Wednesday on whether Martinelli should be allowed to stay in Florida. The defense requested a few days to translate a witness affidavit filed in Spanish, pushing Torres' decision to Aug. 31.

This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.

To view this content, please continue to their sites.

Go To Lexis →

Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Go To Bloomberg Law →

Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

NOT FOR REPRINT