"The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) remains alert to a conviction in Panama that provides for the seizure of the offices of Grupo Editorial Panamá América S.A. (EPASA), a conglomerate that publishes three newspapers. The organization will remain vigilant in view of the possible implications for press freedom that could result from its seizure.
[...]
On July 17, the Second Court of Criminal Cases sentenced in first instance former president Ricardo Martinelli and other defendants for the crime of money laundering in the case known as 'New Business,' regarding the acquisition of the EPASA group in 2010 with public funds. The Court ordered the seizure of EPASA's shares in favor of the State and the administration of the movable and immovable assets of the publishing house that publishes the newspapers Panamá América, Crítica, and Día a Día. Martinelli was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison."
Read original story (in Spanish)
