The row between Central American countries Panama and Nicaragua continues as former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli Continues his asylum inside the Nicaraguan embassy. This has led Panama to accuse Nicaragua of meddling in its internal affairs as the Daniel Ortega-led regime continues to protect convicted money launderer Martinelli.

It has now been over a month since the former Panamanian president has been holed up in the Nicaraguan embassy as he tries to evade arrest. He was convicted of money laundering, and his appeals have already run out, forcing him to take refuge inside the Nicaraguan embassy.

Ever since he started his asylum at the Nicaraguan embassy, Martinelli has been taking swipes at the justice system of Panama, claiming that his prosecution was politically motivated because he is the presidential frontrunner. He has also been "promoting his political allies from within the walls of the Nicaraguan embassy," per the Associated Press.

The former Panama president was supposed to be running for his second term in office but has repeatedly lost his appeals over his money laundering case. He has since been ruled ineligible to participate in the May 5 presidential election after he was convicted and sentenced. He has since been trying to promote his running mate José Raúl Mulino to run in his stead.

After he fled to the embassy, Nicaragua tried to get permission to move him to their country, but Panama refused. Panama's Foreign Relations Ministry has already sent a "vigorous" protest to its authoritarian neighbor and asked the country to "closely monitor Martinelli's behavior."

A populist leader, Martinelli governed Panama from 2009 to 2014. He is also the first former president to ever be convicted of a crime in the Central American country and US ally.

Panama Constitution Bars Ricardo Martinelli From Becoming President Again

One of the reasons Martinelli had to flee to the Nicaraguan embassy was that the Supreme Court rejected his appeal to overturn his sentence. This decision was final and allowed the Electoral Tribunal to annul his candidacy despite polls showing that he was the frontrunner.

According to Al Jazeera, the Panamanian Constitution bars anyone sentenced to five years or more for a crime from holding elected office. This includes legislative seats and the presidency.

What Did Ricardo Martinelli Do While President of Panama?

As President, Martinelli was responsible for a massive wave of big infrastructure projects, including Panama City's first subway line. However, the administration has also been accused of rampant corruption as his government favored companies that have been accused of bribing him.

Martinelli's time in office has been marred by scandals, as he was found guilty of granting government contracts to companies that funneled money into his front companies while president. He is also on the US government's corruption list and has been sanctioned by the country.

As reported by the Toronto Star, Martinelli used a complex series of foreign money transfers to hide his money laundering activities. It particularly used a front company collecting money called "New Business" to get the payments, which amounted to $43 million.

READ MORE: Panama: 5 Dead, 1 Missing After Migrant Smuggling Boat Capsizes

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Panama's Martinelli moved from jail to house arrest - AP Archive