Panama asks US to extradite former president on spying charges

Panama on Tuesday asked the United States to extradite former president Ricardo Martinelli to face charges of spying against opposition members while in power. The Foreign Ministry said it had formally filed the request with the State Department through the Panamanian Embassy in Washington, DC. Martinelli, who served from 2009 to 2004, is believed to be living in Miami. The wealthy businessman is accused of corruption and of tapping opponents' and journalists' phones and emails during his presidency. Panama first announced back in June that it wanted the United States to arrest and extradite Martinelli.