The First Oral Judicial Circuit Court of Panama ruled that the former President of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, was not guilty of the interception of communications without judicial authorization, surveillance without authorization, and embezzlement of state funds to purchase espionage equipment. The case was brought following an investigation by the Public Prosecution Service of Panama into allegations that Martinelli had ordered National Security Council officials to monitor the digital communications of over 150 journalists, union leaders and members of civil society between 2012 and 2014. The court recognized “indications” of “activities outside the law” in the National Security Council, but held that the evidence and testimonies presented by the Prosecution were insufficient to find Mr Martinelli guilty of the charges.

The decision establishes a binding or persuasive precedent within its jurisdiction.