The Supreme Court in Panama has ordered the arrest of former president Ricardo Martinelli over accusations that he used public funds to illegally spy on more than 150 people, including trade union activists, politicians, lawyers, doctors and business people.
Mr Martinelli, who was in power between 2009 and 2014 denied the allegations and said current president Juan Carlos Varela was conducting a vendetta against him. Mr Varela's brother, a lawmaker, was one of the people that were spied on.
Investigators say the wiretaps were carried out by members of Panama's National Security Council.
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