US judge backs extradition of ex-Panama president Martinelli

A Miami federal judge upheld the extradition request for former Panama president Ricardo Martinelli to face political espionage and embezzlement charges in his home country.

U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke ruled Tuesday at a hearing that a previous federal judge was correct that Panama's extradition request is valid.

But Cooke also stayed her decision until Feb. 6 to give Martinelli's lawyers time to file notice of an appeal.

Source: Associated Press