Protests, Road blocks, Social unrest, & Talks

[Moderator_03]

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Can foreigners participate in protests?

 Posted 12/11/2023

The short answer is obvious: “Yes” writes Rodrigo Noriega in La Prensa. The right to protest peacefully is established by the main human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the American Convention on Human Rights, among other binding legal norms that protect human rights internationally.

In Panama, article 20 of the Political Constitution says: “Panamanians and foreigners are equal before the Law, but the Law may, for reasons of work, health, morality, public safety, and national economy, subordinate to special conditions or deny the exercise of certain activities to foreigners in general. Likewise, the Law or the authorities, depending on the circumstances, may take measures that exclusively affect the nationals of certain countries in the event of war or in accordance with what is established in international treaties.”

The norm cited is the legal umbrella called the Principle of Equality. The State could not do well to repress or particularly punish foreigners for participating in a “peaceful” manner in any protests or public expressions of repudiation of decisions of the Panamanian State that harm human rights, or affect the assets of the State itself.

The immigration regime

The immigration regulations of the Panamanian State, mainly Decree Law 3 of 2008, which established the National Immigration Service, regulate specific administrative powers with respect to resident foreigners, refugees, tourists, or undocumented immigrants in the Republic of Panama.

Thus article 26 says:

“Refugees, asylees or stateless persons will have the same rights as temporary residents, including the right to work, subject to current labor regulations, the obligation to pay taxes and social security contributions under the same conditions as nationals, as well as the payment of immigration services… ”

It would be a great nonsense and a major contradiction if one of the foreigners mentioned in this article has the obligation to pay taxes, social security, and surely other taxes, but does not have the right to protest against the misuse of said taxes, tributes or quotas. social security, as well as speaking out against behaviors that he perceives affect his adoptive home, even temporarily.

On the other hand, it is evident that immigration legislation has extremely arbitrary aspects, such as what is established in Article 31 of Decree-Law 3 of 2008: “The Director General of the National Immigration Service may cancel the permanence or residence in the national territory. , to the non-resident foreigner, temporary or permanent resident, in any of its immigration subcategories, for the following reasons:

Use the sole purpose of marriage with a national, to obtain residence.

Attacking national security, public order, morality, or public health, or violating the rights and freedoms of people.

In the case of permanent residents, be absent from the national territory for more than two years, unless such absence is justified and authorized by the Director of the National Immigration Service.

Carry out activities incompatible with those that served as the basis for granting the non-resident, temporary, or permanent resident visa or permit.

Present false statements and/or fraudulent or altered documentation.

Offer, by oneself or through an intermediary, any type of promise or remuneration, or exert any type of pressure aimed at altering the will of officials of the National Immigration Service or diplomatic or consular agents, with the purpose of obtaining the visa or the respective permit.

Having been convicted of committing an intentional crime or tax fraud.

Cease the causes that gave rise to the authorization of the visa or the respective permit.

“Any other cause established by law or regulations.”

Article 31 and others of similar tenor in immigration legislation lend themselves to abuse and excessive discretion by officials. Another example of what has been said is Article 71 of the same Law, which states the following:

Article 71. “The National Immigration Service may expel a foreigner who:

Advocates for a crime or incite racial, religious, cultural, or political hatred.

Be a threat to collective security, health, or public order.

Has been convicted of an intentional crime, after having served his sentence.

Has been deported and reenters the country irregularly.

It is obvious that a foreigner who is a known member of a gang is not the same as another who is dismayed by the situation in the country.

In the recent past, immigration legislation was used to expel from Panama Spanish citizens Francisco (Paco) Gómez Nadal and Pilar Chato who were repatriated to Spain in February 2011, for documenting the government's brutal repression against mining protests. of then president Ricardo Martinelli.

The action of the State to differentiate, diminish, or marginalize foreigners in their rights does not correspond to a democratic and modern State. That is not the behavior that other countries such as Canada, Spain, the United States, and Ireland, for example, have had with the Panamanian protesters who in the main cities of these nations have protested in a very creative and supportive way against the current government and its contract law 406.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/can-foreigners-participate-in-protests

 

[Hillbilly]

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/lack-of-consensus-stalls-panama-bound-food-convoy-2

[Hillbilly]

Just now, Hillbilly said:

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/lack-of-consensus-stalls-panama-bound-food-convoy-2

Now, how can I take my car full of possessions to Costa Rica?

[Moderator_03]

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Veggies heading for Panama as sections of highway reopen

Posted 13/11/2023

Dozens of trucks with agricultural merchandise - coming from Tierras Alta –  left David early Monday morning, heading for Panama after sections of the Inter-American highway in Chiriquí that have been closed for the last 20 days, due to protests over the mining contract, were gradually reopened.

The trucks were monitored by the National Police.

The road will be open for about 12 hours, according to the indigenous groups of the Ngäbe Buglé Region.

The authorities hope that the trucks will arrive in the capital this afternoon, after weeks of shortages. Most supermarkets do not have vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, among others. Additionally, the prices of these products have been increasing.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/veggies-heading-for-panama-as-sections-of-highway-reopen

[Moderator_03]

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MINING PROTESTS: Total closures threatened for Thursday

Posted 15/11/2023

The Alianza Pueblo Unidos (The United People Alliance) will carry out total closures for 24 hours on Thursday, November 16

The Alianza Pueblo Unido, which includes “Single Union of Construction and Similar Workers” (Suntracs), the “Association of Teachers of the Republic of Panama” (Asoprof), among other groups, announced a few days ago that this Thursday the 16th and Monday the 20th of November, they will carry out a total 24-hour closure nationwide.

According to reports, the action will begin at 7:00 am and will last until 7:00 am on Friday, November 17, and Tuesday, November 21, respectively.

The groups part of the “Alliance” , request the government that Law 406, which approves the mining concession contract for 20 years, extendable to 12,955.1 hectares, be repealed. They assured that they would maintain the closure and flyer measures until the law is eliminated, however, the popular consultation project presented by the Executive on whether Law 406 should be repealed or not was suspended.

Several experts in international law and constitutionalists have explained that the best solution for Panama to the legal problem is the ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice because, with it, Panama would have greater advantages in facing the legal process that would follow the ruling.

Meanwhile, President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo, said that they would remain waiting for the ruling that the Supreme Court must issue on the unconstitutional claims that were presented against the law.

On the other hand, the groups “Panamá Vale Más Sin Minería”, “Sal de las Redes”, and “Ya es Ya” and members of civil society continue a vigil in the Court waiting for an expeditious response regarding the ruling on the lawsuits. It will be the Court that will define the fate of the mining contract, which remains in force since October 20The “Alliance indicated that the same measure of total stoppage would be taken on Monday, November 20, the day on which Minera Panamá must pay the State about $770 million corresponding to taxes and royalties for the years 2022 and 2023.

On October 24, Cortizo announced that, with this payment, an increase would be made effective for retirees who earn less than $350 a month.

He assured at that time that as of  November 20  of this year,  120,315 retirees would receive the increase.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/mining-protests-total-closures-threatened-for-thursday

[Moderator_03]

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Road closures continue for fourth week

Posted 15/11/2023

In the fourth week of protests and road closures against mining, on Wednesday, November 15, closures and slow traffic were recorded in several parts of the country.

On the Inter-American highway, specifically in the province of Chiriquí, the closure of at least six points remained in place. There are blockades in San Félix, Horconcitos, and San Juan, among other sectors.

The National Police reopened the crossing on the Risacua bridge in David and detained at least five people.

In other sectors of the province of Veraguas, including the center of the city of Santiago, closures continued. In Panama, a group of protesters held a march from El Conquistador Plaza, along Domingo Díaz Avenue, which caused traffic to be heavy for several hours.

In the province of Colón, blockades have been recorded at several points, starting at 4:30 am. The blockades occurred in sectors such as Cuatro Altos, Quebrada Ancha, Sabanitas, Nuevo San Juan, Cativá, La Feria, and the entrance to the Hugo Spadafora polyclinic in the district of Cristóbal Este.

Ambulances, security forces, kidney patients, and health personnel are allowed to pass through the closures.

Faced with this situation, hundreds of people have to walk to reach their destinations, while some drivers have to look for alternative routes to avoid getting trapped.

Other sectors

In Bocas del Toro, blockades are also reported in Changuinola.

In the capital city, around 5:50 am, the total road closure was recorded in the Villa Zaíta sector, in North Panama.

Likewise, a partial closure was reported on Domingo Díaz Avenue, near the Women's Rehabilitation Center.

The Transisthmian highway remains completely closed in front of the University of Panama.

Also at noon this Wednesday, there was a closure in Natá, province of Coclé.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/road-closures-continue-for-fourth-week

[Moderator_03]

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Permanent vigil at  Supreme Court to speed up mining ruling

 Posted 13/11/2023

A  permanent vigil began Sunday at the Supreme  Court to send a message to the Court that they remain vigilant and are waiting for the result of the process that is part of the actions taken to express the rejection of the contract signed between Minera Panamá and the State.

Guido Berguido, a participant in the activity, said that it has not been easy, the night was very long, but they will remain firm until the Court's unconstitutional ruling that annuls the contract is issued.

The environmentalist Raisa Banfield said that they respect the rule of law, but in the same way, they demand that the magistrates not delay even one hour longer than they have done. She stressed that the Panamanian people made a decision that has been ignored and this cannot continue.

A camp has been set up near the Court facilities for participants to rest and take turns. In addition, they will not keep the streets closed so as not to affect the people who converge on the place, especially patients who come to the Cancer Institute of Panama.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/permanent-vigil-at-supreme-court-to-speed-up-mining-ruling

[Moderator_03]

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After six hours of closure, police use tear gas to clear roads

Tear gas at Condado del Rey on the Ricardo J. Alfaro Avenue

Posted 16/11/2023

After more than six hours of closures in different parts of the capital city and in other provinces, crowd control agents of the National Police tried to clear some roads in the capital city: the final stretch of the Cinta Costera 3, towards the Bridge of the Americas, and to do so, they had to launch tear gas bombs to disperse the protesters who were in that sector.

In Pacora, east of the province of Panama, the Police proceeded in the same way to clear the Inter-American highway and removed the barricades that obstructed the passage.

Another point that the riot agents tried to clear was the entrance to Condado del Rey on Ricardo J. Alfaro Road.

The same thing happened in Sabanitas (Colón) where tear gas bombs were also launched.

The public transportation company Mi Bus reported that it temporarily suspended all service due to closures in various parts of the city.

On several roads in Panama and San Miguelito, hundreds of people were seen walking to the Metro stations to try to reach their destinations.

The passage through the Trasístmica road in front of the University of Panama remains closed. Traffic congested by protests was also recorded in Villa Lucre and Tumba Muerto, at the entrance to Condado del Rey.

Likewise, on Centenario Road, near Merca Panama, the passage to the Centenario bridge was closed and dozens of people had to walk. However, the road was reopened in both directions around 1:00 p.m.

Other provinces

In the province of Colón, street closures were reported in several points, including Cuatro Altos, Villa del Caribe, La Feria, and in the vicinity of the Hugo Spadafora Polyclinic, Nuevo Colón (Sabanitas), Río Alejandro, Villa del Carmen, Villa Guadalupe, Cativá, Quebrada Ancha, and Bateria 35 in Costa Abajo. 

In the La Pesa and La Espiga sectors of La Chorrera (Panama West), they blocked the passage in both directions.

In the east of Chiriquí and in some parts of Veraguas, indefinite closures are maintained.

In Chitré, province of Herrera, after 6:30 am the protesters closed the road that leads from La Arena to the business center.

Unions, teachers' unions, workers, farmers, and indigenous people announced that they would carry out multiple indefinite closures nationwide for 24 hours.

Transport service

The administration of the Mi Bus public transportation service reported a temporary suspension of service at some points that were closed, such as on the Transístmica road in the vicinity of the Estrella Azul company and the University of Panama. Likewise in Villa Zaíta, Chilibre, Villa Lucre, and Avenida 3 de November, and the 5 de Mayo sector.

After more than six hours of closures in different parts of the capital city and in other provinces, crowd control agents of the National Police are trying to clear some roads.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/after-six-hours-of-closure-police-use-tear-gas-to-clear-roads

[Moderator_03]

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A stronger  24-hour closure threatened for Monday

Posted 17/11/2023

The United People's Alliance for Life and the National Alliance for the Rights of the Organized People (Anadepo) announced in a Friday press conference, the total 24-hour closure of the country's main roads on Monday, November 20 from 7:00 am to Tuesday, November 21 at 7:00 am.

Mario Almanza, representing Anadepo, indicated that the actions for Monday will be strengthened. “We are going to strengthen the total closure on Monday, November 20. As a protest and demanding the repeal of Law 406.”

Almanza indicated that during the next week “actions of partial closures, marches, picketing, and leaflets will continue.”

The organizations described the call last Thursday, November 16, as “successful” and indicated that their position continues to be the demand for the repeal of Law 406.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/a-stronger-24-hour-closure-threatened-for-monday

[Moderator_03]

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Supreme Court will decide the issue of Law 406 on November 24

Posted 17/11/2023

Manuel José Calvo, general secretary in charge of the Supreme Court of Justice,   reported that the judges decided that they will hold a permanent plenary meeting next Friday, November 24, to issue a decision on two admitted claims of unconstitutionality.

For the past 26 days, the country has been facing a series of demonstrations in all provinces by civil society, teachers' unions, and Suntracs, among others, which keep the roads paralyzed, all against Law 406.

With one week left until a decision is issued, some unions have stated that they will remain on the streets.

Calvo affirmed that it is a commitment to give priority to the causes raised regarding the constitutionality or not of Law No. 406.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/supreme-court-will-decide-the-issue-of-law-406-on-november-24

[Moderator_03]

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University teachers, students, and staff march to Supreme Court

Posted 22/11/2023

Teachers, students, and administrators from the University of Panama marched on Wednesday, November 22, to the Supreme Court of Justice to demand the ruling of unconstitutionality of Law 406.

Eduardo Flores, the rector of this university, announced that he will deliver to the university community a document outlining the arguments that the mining contract is unconstitutional and demanding a timely ruling from the Judicial Branch.

The document argues that “the legislative procedure followed for the approval of this contract-law violates the constitutional regulations of our legal system since, in this type of contract, once sent to the Assembly by the Executive Body, it must be only approved or rejected by law, but there is no power to return it in order for modifications to be made to its content as happened, as established in article 159, paragraph 15, of the Political Constitution."

Also, it is noted that “the contract, contained in Law 406, violates the constitutional norms on the ecological regime that obligate the State to guarantee that the population lives in a healthy environment free of contamination (Constitutional Article 118).”

“In addition, this contract law violates an article of the Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights on economic, social, and cultural rights. (Ptocol of an Salvador), approved by Law 21 of October 22, 1992, which is part of the Constitutional Block, in accordance with a ruling of November 27, 2014, of the Plenary of the Supreme Court of Justice, because it violates the right of Panamanians to live in a healthy environment and implies the abandonment of the Panamanian State of the protection, preservation, and improvement of that environment," the document adds.

Finally, the University of Panama reiterated its call to that highest corporation of the Administration of Justice, “to make a statement in a timely manner and in accordance with the law, but also in accordance with the arguments made by the vast majority of the Panamanian people in favor of the unconstitutionality and inconvenience of the aforementioned mining contract.”

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/university-teachers-students-and-staff-march-to-supreme-court

[Moderator_03]

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Mining protests fallout – 4 deaths, 190 criminal charges

Posted 23/11/2023

A month of massive protests and street blockades began against the Minera Panamá mining contract, has resulted in four deaths and 190 judicial proceedings by the Public Ministry (MP  related to events linked to the demonstrations: vandalism, robberies, damage to property, personal injuries, extortion, abuse of authority and homicides.

Data from the Public Ministry reveal that 75 people remain detained while they are being investigated for events related to riots and acts of vandalism during the protests.

Meanwhile, eight people were convicted of different crimes and another 30 have precautionary measures.

On November 21, the National Police reported the arrest of 1,248 people. Of those, 1,052 were referred to the Community Peace Justice, and 54 were placed under the orders of the Public Ministry.

Reports show that 43 police officers were injured during the protests: 31 with blunt objects, seven with firearms, and five were physically attacked.

Statistics reveal that 72 cars have been vandalized: 36 belong to different government agencies, 35 belong to the police and 20 belong to individuals.

The report also indicates that 19 offices (official and private) have been affected by acts of vandalism, including the Comptroller General of the Republic, several stations of the Panama Metro, facilities of the Institutional Protection Service, as well as the offices of the Ministry of Agricultural Development and the Judicial Investigation Directorate, in the province of Veraguas. 64 video surveillance cameras were also vandalized.

On November 20, 15 people were captured by police officers after they closed the South corridor in Llano Bonito. They had two firearms and $2,000 in cash.

During the protests, four people have died. Two for attacks in the middle of the demonstration, one in Colón and another in Horconcitos, Chiriquí. Two others were murdered during a blockade of the Inter-American highway in Chame, Panama Oeste. The perpetrator Kenneth Darlington, is in prison.

Photographer Aubrey Baxter lost the vision in his right eye due to the impact of a pellet when he was documenting the protests against the mining contract in front of the National Assembly on October 19. Baxter filed a criminal complaint against the National Police.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/mining-protests-fallout-4-deaths-190-criminal-charges

[Moderator_03]

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Business leaders question government’s lack of authority in mining crisis

Posted 23/11/2023

The National Council of Private Enterprise (Conep) has questioned the Government's lack of authority to put an end to a series of events that are affecting citizen coexistence and the country's productive sectors.

The business sector highlights that in the last 30 days in Panama, there have been constant road closures, which are affecting the daily life of citizens with the loss of medical appointments, education on pause, and a painful destruction of the Panamanian economy.

“Small, medium, and micro-enterprises have received first-hand the most accurate blows, producing an alert regarding its consequences, which range from unemployment to the deepening of informality that had already increased as a result of the pandemic.

“In the face of this, there is an absence of authority, whose persistent silence and inaction means that groups that promote chaos and anarchy define the future of everyone,” is reflected in the Conep statement.

The union wonders how long all of this will be allowed and states that the country's patience has run out.

Panama registers its fifth week of protests and road blockades in rejection of the mining contract between the State and Canada’s First Quantum, for the exploitation of copper in Donoso, Colón.

Conep says that we must wait for the ruling of the Supreme Court on the unconstitutional claims that have been presented against the contract and that we must also have the commitment to respect it.

“Let us all seek solutions to our problems, without the ideological and political contaminants that never help to find ways of understanding. The ruin of the nation is not the way. Until when? remains the question for the authorities…”

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/business-leaders-question-governments-lack-of-authority-in-mining-crisis

[Moderator_03]

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University students guilty of vandalism risk expulsion

Posted 23/11/2023

The rector of the University of Panama (UP), Eduardo Flores, said on Thursday, November 23, that they will take action against those who committed acts of vandalism during the demonstrations, street closures and within the university.

Flores stated that they have already been able to identify some of those responsible who are students from the University whose registration is valid.

He added that the students will be brought before the Disciplinary Commission of the University of Panama and, if necessary, the relevant complaint will be filed with the judicial authorities.

Through the Disciplinary Commission, the pertinent investigations will be carried out related to each act of vandalism inside or outside the university facilities.

He said that the university protection body does not have a coercive force and on repeated occasions, despite closing all the doors of the University, they open holes in the fences and enter through there, "we have had armed assaults inside the university to the students themselves who are protesting," he explained.

The rector assured that the pertinent measures will be taken to protect the autonomy of the University of Panama and all necessary sanctions will be imposed.

Among the sanctions that may be imposed will be temporary expulsion and even permanent expulsion, that is, you will not be able to continue studying any type of career. At the moment, he reported that two students who committed vandalism within the UP have been identified.

A few days ago,  the moment in which a woman was attacked by a group of people who had the street closed at the intersection of Avenida Manuel Espinoza Batista and Avenida Eusebio A Morales, near the  University was captured on surveillance cameras.

The 'protesters' had the street blocked and the woman apparently requested that she be allowed passage but was denied. Immediately afterward, the people proceeded to throw stones at the woman's vehicle.

The  National Police and the Public Ministry are carrying out investigations. It was learned that the aggressors had already been identified and the victim filed a criminal complaint with the  Public Ministry  for possible crimes of personal injury and vandalism.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/university-students-guilty-of-vandalism-risk-expulsion

[Moderator_03]

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Crowd control policeman hit by a stone is hospitalized

 Posted 24/11/2023

During the closure of the Inter-American highway in the Howard sector,  when the National Police moved to open the street,  a police officer in the Crowd Control Unit was attacked from behind and received a forceful blow with a stone on the head by a person participating in the blockade.

A  statement from the National Police said that the police member was injured and was transferred to the National Hospital, where he is receiving medical attention.

Commissioner Caballero indicated that the person who attacked the unit has not been captured, but they assured that complaints for personal injuries will be filed.

Caballero said that these types of people who carry out violent blockades are dangerous because they throw stones without looking at who might be hit.

the Ministry of Public Security condemned the action and indicated that the public force has tried to avoid confrontations to preserve the most precious asset, which is the physical integrity and life of citizens and residents."

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/crowd-control-policeman-hit-by-a-stone-is-hospitalized

[Moderator_03]

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“NO to mining and road closures” - call by David citizens

 Posted 25/11/2023

Teachers and members of civil society confronted each other on the road to the bridge over the Risacua River in the district of David, Chiriquí, on Friday, November 24.

The group of educators insisted on blocking the street as a measure of protest against the mining contract while another group of people prevented them from doing so.

Dressed in white and with banners in their hands,  the local citizens demanded free transit, however, they stated that they are also against Law 406.

“No to mining, no more closures,”  chanted the group calling for  the opening of roads.

The National Police were at hand to prevent further escalation between the two groups.

This week the mayor of David, Antonio Araúz, delivered a note to the Police requesting the reopening of the important road.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/no-to-mining-and-road-closures-call-by-david-citizens

[Moderator_03]

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Vigil continues as Supreme Court declares recess after 14 hours

Posted 25/11/2023

After a 14-hour session analyzing two claims of unconstitutionality against Law 406, which adopted the contract between the State and Minera Panamá, to the exploitation of a mine in Donoso, Colón the plenary of the Supreme Court decreed a recess until 9:00 am Saturday, November 25.

The recess was declared after a 14-hour session, in which the content of the demands presented by Juan Ramón Sevillano and Martita Cornejo de Robles was analyzed.

While the magistrates were in session, outside there was a vigil by sectors of organized civil society, environmentalists, students, teachers, and unions, among other groups that opposed the mining contract.

Although there are 10 lawsuits against Law 406, the plenary session analyzes those of Sevillano and Cornejo.

In the case of the demands of Cornejo and Sevillano, both the attorneys of the Administration, Rigoberto González, and of the Nation, Javier Caraballo, were of the opinion that Law 406 should be declared unconstitutional. However, the opinions of both are not binding.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/vigil-continues-as-supreme-court-declares-recess-after-14-hours

[Moderator_03]

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University’s mediation offer in mining crisis garners support

The vigil continues at the Supreme Court where the magistrates are in permanent session to decide if the mining law is constitutional

 Posted 26/11/2023

The rector of the University of Panama (UP), Eduardo Flores, said on Sunday, November 26, that the offer for the entity to be a mediator in an eventual national dialogue has received several endorsements including the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (Cciap). He added that he also received a communication from the Confederation of Workers of Panama, in who are also in favor of the mediation.

Flores said the UP wants to be a facilitator to present a sustainable development plan for the communities affected by the closure of the mine.

On November 8, the Academic Council of the University of Panama stated that it offers itself as a mediator in a “constructive dialogue between the different actors who currently maintain divergent positions” on mining in the country.

The members of the Academic Council are also convinced that the Supreme Court will rule on the law and that this ruling will be in accordance with the clamor of the Panamanian people.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/universitys-mediation-offer-in-mining-crisis-garners-support

[Moderator_03]

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Business Chamber throws down the gauntlet to President Cortizo

Posted 26/11/2023

Panama’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (Cciap) has sent a strong message to President Cortizo to live up to his constitutional promises and restore free transit in the country, after five weeks of protests and road blockades in rejection of the mining contract.

The business chamber highlighted that parents, producers, businessmen, civil society organizations, professionals, and numerous other citizens ask President Cortizo, to take action and that they are not asking for a favor; They are demanding compliance with what is established in the Political Constitution of the Republic.

“So what else do the president and his government team need to happen so that Panamanians are given back our freedoms? Are the reported deaths not enough as a result of not being able to move due to blockades or closures or the hundreds of thousands of missed medical appointments?” the union expresses in its weekly message.

The business sector considers that it is unacceptable for the Executive to see how some 40,000 students lose their school year. In addition, they warn about the loss of jobs, companies that will go bankrupt, and that currently thousands of agricultural producers are watching how a year's work rots in trucks.

“What we need is for the President of the Republic to comply with what he promised when he was sworn in and give instructions to his Minister of Security and his Minister of Government, to ensure that the Constitution is respected! The Population does not ask for a favor, it demands the fulfillment of a responsibility! Enough of the political calculations.

"Enough of letting things happen, because things don't happen: every day of chaos ruins a little more the present and the future of millions of citizens, mainly the future of young people and children."

Since the end of October, the country has been experiencing a crisis as a result of road closures in different parts of the country, after groups began to demonstrate against the approval of the mining contract between the State and Minera Panamá, for the exploitation of copper in Donoso, Colón.

“This inaction and failure to comply with sacred constitutional duties becomes even more evident when we confirm that those directly responsible for the closures throughout the country are a handful of irresponsible people with a clear political and anti-democratic agenda,” reiterates the Cciap.

It is proposed that in the event of a prompt ruling by the Supreme Court on the mining contract, it is essential that there be an environment where the different actors in society can talk and discern about future of the mining project.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/business-chamber-throws-down-the-gauntlet-to-president-cortizo

[Moderator_03]

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Firefighters to run safety checks on stranded tankers.

Posted 27/11/2023

An evaluation to verify the safety conditions currently maintained by tanker trucks that are stranded at various points on the Inter-American highway in the east of the province of Chiriquí that contain propane and butane gas, will be carried out by the Corps of Panama Firefighters.

Videos circulating on social networks of the concern that the drivers of articulated vehicles maintain, indicating that the pressure and high temperatures they transport could cause an emergency of greater magnitudes reports TVN.

According to lieutenant-colonel Ángel Delgado of the Panama Fire Department, ,  in coordination with personnel from the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), they will proceed to carry out this inspection of the different trucks.

According to Delgado, these trucks have a security system, which must comply with a series of regulations and at the same time are designed with a security system for the safe transportation of cargo.

However, when receiving a high temperature or receiving heat waves, whether from direct flame or from the environment, there could be some type of pressure rise and some safety measures would have to be developed.

One of these measures involves the release of the safety valves to relieve the pressures, a procedure that must be done very carefully since it is part of the cargo and remember that it is gas, so it is necessary to prevent this could enter with a source of open flame that could cause a fire or even explosion.

Another option that could be applied is to spray the trucks with water to cool the load.

Currently stranded on the Inter-American highway, there are about 25 tankers waiting to transport this cargo to provide this product to the residents of the province of Chiriquí, who suffer from shortages due to road blockades.

The firefighters published on their social networks that on the Inter-American highway, where the closure is located between Silimín and San Félix, they managed to talk with the people who maintain the blockade and the danger they ran with the liquefied gas tankers so close was explained to them. The protesters allowed the trucks to pass.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/firefighters-to-run-safety-checks-on-stranded-tankers

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Panama’s Supreme Court declares Law 406 unconstitutional

Posted 28/11/2023

The Supreme Court of Panama (CSJ) declared Law 406 of October 20, 2023, which adopts the contract between the State and Minera Panama, unconstitutional.

The decision was announced on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, by María Eugenia López Arias, presiding judge of the CSJ - and accompanied by her eight colleagues - from the Cassation Chamber of Judge Gabriel Elías Fernández Madrid, in the Gil Ponce Palace of Justice, in Ancón.

“As president of the CSJ, I inform the country that the judges who make up the plenary session have unanimously decided to declare the entire Law 406 of October 20, 2023, unconstitutional. The above means that the aforementioned law is expelled from the system. regulations that govern the country. We have instructed the secretary general, in accordance with the Judicial Code , to proceed to make the corresponding notifications. Once the sentence is enforceable, it will immediately be sent for publication in the Official Gazette,” said Judge López Arias.

The law had led to nationwide protests road blockades and the closure of schools as teachers’ unions declared a strike.

The nine judges of the Supreme Court declared themselves in permanent session on Friday, November 24, to analyze two of the lawsuits filed against the rule by lawyers Juan Ramón Sevillano and Martita Cornejo Robles.

1,300 ARRESTS
More than 1,300 people have been arrested by the National Police since the beginning of the demonstrations against Law 406.

The contract with Minera Panamá was authorized by the Cabinet Council on October 10, 2023; endorsed by Comptroller General Gerardo Solís on October 13; presented to the National Assembly on October 16, and finally approved in the third debate, sanctioned by President Laurentino Cortizo and promulgated in the Official Gazette on October 20, all on the same day.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panamas-supreme-court-declares-law-406-unconstitutional-1

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Panama celebrates victory over corrupt politicians

Posted 28/11/2023

On the day marking 202 years of separation from Spain Panamanians celebrated the decision of the nine judges of the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ)  who on Tuesday, November 28, declared the unconstitutionality of the Law 406 contract between the Panamanian State and Minera Panamá.

After the announcement,  reactions were not long in coming reports TVN with one of the first to express his opinion, the plaintiff lawyer, Juan Ramón Sevillano, who presented a little over a month ago, the first legal action before the highest body of justice in the country, being resolved in their favor.

“Now there is democracy in Panama, the corrupt, politicians and businessmen are no longer going to rule. A world precedent is set, the people have ruled in this country and that is a message for other countries..." the Panamanian lawyer noted with joy.

Sevillano said that, on the fourth business day, he will present a request for the ruling to be presented to the Ministry of Commerce so that by means of a simple note the resolution is issued and the mining company is told that it is left without a contract.

The lawyer assures that "Panama has many reasons to win international arbitration", while the other 8 lawsuits presented in the CSJ remain out of court and will be archived, following the decision of the 9 magistrates.

 Martita Cornejo, another of the plaintiff lawyers, said that the first resolution was about the action of lawyer Juan."

" This struggle and decision obtained in just over a month has given results, because of the Panamanian people in the streets. The Panamanian people have risen up to guarantee our territory and sovereignty, over the political interests and corruption that betrayed our homeland, through a contract where they looked after the interests of a transnational company. I feel extremely satisfied, this is the triumph of the Panamanian people over corruption," she stated.

A COUNTRY SOLD
Cornejo highlighted that "there have been martyrs and we have them and their families present in our hearts, who put the greatest amount of pain and sacrifice for this corrupt Government that sold the country and did not listen to its nationals in the National Assembly and closed a contract behind the back of the Panamanian population".

Finally, he asked for the resignation of the Minister of Commerce. "Federico Alfaro must resign immediately, he must hand over his position because he is not taking care of the interests of Panama.

The environmentalist Raisa Banfield said "The people came out to demand the last organ [of the State] that we had left to arbitrate this. The CSJ restores the constitutional order, and the rule of law and gives us back faith in the system... Now "The Executive has to vindicate itself and play its role, because in the past there was a ruling of unconstitutionality, they sat on the ruling and renegotiated a contract and brought us where we are."

The plaintiff lawyers have already been notified about the decision of the plenary session of the CSJ, now we must wait three days for the ruling to be executed to notify the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) and operations at the mine are suspended, they assured.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama-celebrates-victory-over-corrupt-politicians-1

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Commerce Minister resigns

Posted 30/11/2023

Federico Alfaro who headed the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI), presented his "irrevocable resignation" from the position after the Supreme Court declared Law 406 of the mining contract was unconstitutional.

Alfaro was the one who oversaw the negotiations of the contract that, according to the Court, violates 25 articles of the Constitution, and that has been ordered to be expelled from Panamanian regulations.

The current head of the MICI said that it was a privilege to hold the position, but the decision corresponds to "the desire to give space to the broad and sincere dialogue that the country demands."

He assured that his goal was always to promote the national industry and attract foreign industry, but the process of drafting the mining concession contract for the Cobre Panamá project, which was born more than 32 years ago, was a great challenge.

"When he took office, the terms of the negotiation had already been agreed upon, however, a contract that would guarantee the greatest benefits that the Republic of Panama would receive had not yet been achieved," he stressed.

Alfaro referred to the rejection in the streets of the mining contract and the ruling of 'unconstitutionality' by the CSJ on Law 406 that approves the contract, pointing out the alleged consequences that this could bring such as the impact on the country's investment grade, international arbitrations, loss of jobs, economic instability, increases in bank interest rates, among others.

After learning of the ruling, many voices have joined in asking that those who participated in these negotiations assume responsibility for what was done.

The appointment of Jorge Rivera Staff was also announced as the new Minister of Commerce and Industries, who until now served as Secretary of Energy.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/commerce-minister-resigns

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Chiriqui-West highway closure lifted.

 Posted 30/11/2023

The Chiriqui West highway closure point, opened at 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 30 reported the National Police even though other indigenous groups that were at other points, had decided, early on, to block vehicular passage.

The Police reported that for the moment, the four sections of the Inter-American highway heading from the capital to Chiriquí and vice versa remain clear.

The indigenous people reported that they agreed to open as a humanitarian and support measure for the transporters who had been in the place for several weeks.

However, they indicated that they do not rule out other pressure measures in case the ruling on the unconstitutionality of Law 406 is not officially published in the Official Gazette.

One of the spokespersons indicated that the measure was agreed upon with the bases, without the participation of representatives of government entities.

After the reopening, vehicles of all types and sizes began to be mobilized immediately, including collective and selective transportation.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/chiriqui-west-highway-closure-lifted

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Security forces join activists in highway cleanup

Posted 02/12/2023

A group of people, including authorities, carried out a cleaning of the Pan-American highway in Eastern Chiriquí on Saturday,  December 2 after a group of farmers, teachers, and indigenous groups withdrew from their closure points and proceeded to reopen the road on learning of the publication in the Official Gazette of the ruling of the  Supreme Court on the contract between the State and Minera Panamá.

Toribio García, the spokesperson for the indigenous people in the Viguí sector, reported that once this ruling was issued, this group of protesters decided to get off the streets and begin returning to their homes.

Security forces from the National Police and Technical Board participated in this cleanup, coordinated by the Government of Chiriquí and, with the collaboration of activists in different parts of Eastern Chiriquí and, personnel from the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) also participated.

One of the areas cleaned was San Félix, where protesters kept highway closed for more than a month as a measure of opposition to the mining contract. Among the debris removed were car tires, large tree branches, and trails of ash,  among others.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/security-forces-join-activists-in-highway-cleanup