Panama sends U.S. extradition request for ex-president Martinelli

Panama has sent the U.S. Department of State an extradition request for former President Ricardo Martinelli to be returned to the Central American nation, a spokesman for Panama's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. Martinelli, who is accused of using public money to spy illegally on more than 150 people, left Panama in January 2015 and is believed to be living in Miami. In response to the extradition request, Martinelli lashed out at current government and described himself as a victim of a polit