$1M bail for Martinelli with release on hold

The decision of Miami federal judge, Marcia Cooke, to release Martinelli on bail set at $1 million, is currently on hold.

On Wednesday Cooke granted a request by the Justice Department to stay her ruling granting the bail as they argued that Panama’s ex-president was too great a flight risk. 

Two judges, including Cooke have ruled that  Martinelli should be extradited to Panama his home country, where he faces political espionage and embezzlement charges. 

Once the bond is imposed it will allow Martinelli await extradition under house arrest in Miami.