Panama’s top court has initiated a process to seek the extradition of former President Ricardo Martinelli from the United States on charges related to illegal wiretaps against dozens of opponents while in office.

Panama’s foreign ministry said Thursday that the Supreme Court had sent it documents requesting Martinelli’s extradition. The ministry will make sure they meet the requirements before pursuing the extradition.

In December, the 63-year-old Martinelli was declared in violation for not appearing before a court looking at the wiretaps of at least 150 people between 2012 and 2014. He has said he is the target of political persecution and refuses to go before the court because Panama has not offered him protections.

Martinelli is a member of the Central American Parliament and lives in the United States.