No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimePanama arrests fugitive Ecuadorean ex-lawmaker

Panama arrests fugitive Ecuadorean ex-lawmaker

PANAMA CITY – Police in Panama on Monday arrested a fugitive former opposition lawmaker from Ecuador who is wanted in his homeland for complicity to murder.

Tito Galo Lara Yépez was taken into custody in the province of Veraguas, police spokeswoman Mara Rivera told AFP. She declined to provide more details.

Galo Lara was convicted in 2013 in Ecuador of complicity in the murder of a couple and their 4-year-old child and sentenced to 10 years in prison. His girlfriend was deemed the mastermind of the crime.

He subsequently fled to Panama, where he was given asylum on the basis of claims he was a victim of political persecution.

On May 19, however, Panama revoked the asylum protection after Ecuadorean authorities provided it with documents containing “new elements that give full assurance of the existence of crimes,” the Foreign Ministry said at the time.

The 46-year-old former lawmaker of the Patriotic Society Party disappeared, however, until his arrest on Monday.

In reversing its decision, Panama argued that “constitutional guarantees” existed in Ecuador to guarantee Galo Lara a fair trial back home.

Panamanian authorities also pointed to attacks against Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa and other officials on Galo Lara’s Twitter account, saying such activity was banned for political refugees.

The revocation of asylum coincided with a visit to Panama last month by Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Landslides

The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) issued a warning on Thursday about persistent heavy rains and thunderstorms affecting much of Costa Rica.These conditions are the...

Back North from Costa Rica: An Expat’s Culture Shock

I am presently away from Costa Rica. I am in a foreign country. I was born here, but it is now a different place...

Juanes Lands in Costa Rica to Shoot Videos for New Tracks

Colombian singer Juanes has arrived in Costa Rica, turning our country's landscapes into backdrops for his latest music videos. The artist, known for hits...

Costa Rica’s Draw Against Honduras Boosts World Cup Hopes

Costa Rica held Honduras to a scoreless draw in their World Cup qualifier last night, picking up a point that keeps their qualification hopes...

Costa Rica Faces a Must-Win for a Place in 2026 World Cup

Costa Rica's national soccer team faces a defining stretch in their bid to reach the 2026 World Cup. With just two points from their...

Costa Rican Congressman Faces Sexual Abuse Allegations from 2006

Fabricio Alvarado, a sitting congressman and presidential hopeful for the New Republic Party, now contends with a formal complaint accusing him of sexually abusing...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica