Reliable sources in France have advised that Ricardo Martinelli, the fugitive former President of the Republic of Panama, has had his Legion of Honor award quietly revoked by the Government of France. A search of the rolls of Legion recipients has reportedly failed to find Martinelli's name inscribed there.
The President of France gave the Legion of Honor, France's highest award, to Ricardo Martinelli in 2013, though the specific reason has never been known. The award can be revoked for improper, illegal or amoral conduct, judging by the company of those prior holders who have had theirs rescinded. Ricardo Martinelli, whose present location is not known, faces multiple criminal cases in Panama, relating to corruption, illegal surveillance of Panamanians, insider trading of registered securities, and several other high crimes.
Before he left office, Martinelli purchased an estate in Paraguay, which has no extradition treaty with the Republic. Given that his former securities head has recently named him as a full partner in the Financial Pacific insider trading scandal, it is not likely that he will voluntarily return to Panama.
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| The award ceremony in 2013. |
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