Peaceful Assembly
At least three protesters killed over anti-mining demonstrations
As previously reported, since October 2023, Panama has seen a surge in nationwide protests following the approval of Law 406. This law formalised a contract between the government and Minera Panamá, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals (FQM) and one of Canada’s largest mining companies, to operate the largest copper mine in Central America. The protests, lasting 44 days, were driven by environmental activists, Indigenous and campesino communities, teachers, union members and students, opposing the expansion of a vast mining operation in the heart of a rainforest. The copper mine threatens an irreplaceable area critical for biodiversity and climate stability.
The protests have led to clashes between protesters and security forces, with allegations of excessive force and human rights violations. In November 2023, multiple fatalities were reported during road blockades. On 1st November, a truck driver hit and killed 42-year-old Indigenous protester Tomás Milton Cedeño while he was participating in a blockade on the Pan-American Highway in Horconcitos, Chiriquí. He was a member of the Panama Teachers’ Association (Asociación de Profesores de Panamá, Asoprof). A month later, the perpetrator was released after reaching a compensation agreement with the victim’s family. The blockades have caused food, medicine and fuel shortages in Chiriquí, a region that produces 80 per cent of the vegetables consumed in the country.
On 7th November 2023, a 77-year-old man shot and killed two protestors, Iván Rodríguez and Abdiel Díaz, while attempting to cross a roadblock in Chame, 80km from Panama City. Both Rodríguez and Díaz were teachers participating in the protest. The police arrested the suspect, and legal proceedings are under way.
On 9th November, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and its Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression urged Panama authorities to respect peaceful assembly, association and expression freedoms amid ongoing protests against a controversial mining concession. The IACHR stressed the importance of protecting protesters and ensuring journalists can safely report on events.
On 16th November, fishermen from Donoso, Colón, clashed with police during a protest at the International Port of Punta Rincón, which serves Minera Panamá. Using small boats, the fishermen blocked the port for over 15 days. Tensions escalated when police escorted a ship attempting to dock, leading to the use of tear gas and reports of injuries among the protesters. At least one protester was detained.
The National Police detained at least 1,274 people, including 155 minors, between 20th October and 24th November 2023, as reported by the media. The detentions were made in response to alleged vandalism and property damage during the protests. Most detainees were taken to Justice of the Peace Courts, while others faced judicial proceedings, with their cases handled by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
According to the Office of the Ombudsman, the protests were largely peaceful; however, certain regions saw violence, including attacks on public and private property, which escalated tensions. The use of tear gas and other non-lethal force by police resulted in over 100 injuries. People suffered respiratory issues, swelling and eye damage from the use of tear gas, with five protestors losing 50 per cent of their vision, two of whom were minors. In total, 114 people were reported injured, including eight police officers.
From 25th to 28th November 2023, protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court of Panama, which remained in permanent session to review lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the mining project. On 28th November, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the mining concession awarded to FQM was unconstitutional. This decision could lead the company into a prolonged arbitration process, though it seeks to avoid this through pre-arbitration discussions with the Panamanian government.
This ruling followed weeks of nationwide protests, “The Panamanian people have spoken. The people have spoken and expressed that they don’t want more mines, that they want sustainable economic development and have no intention of destroying the country for profit,” said Kherson Ruiz, executive director of the Sustainable Development Foundation.
Protests demand enforcement of Panama’s national mining ban
On 16th December 2023, six organised groups protested in Tonosí to demand the closure of the Cerro Quema mining project, citing Law 407, which prohibits metal mining nationwide. The law, enacted on 3rd November 2023, mandates the cessation of mining-related activities, yet the Cerro Quema project continues to operate under an existing concession. The protesters, including members of environmental and civil society groups, called on the government to fully implement the law and end mining in the Azuero region.
The Cerro Quema project, despite the law, continues to benefit from an approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), with the company planning significant investments in infrastructure and exploration. The protesters argued that the law’s language is clear and should result in the immediate suspension of the mining concession.
Epasa workers protest to defend press freedom and jobs amid judicial concerns
On 18th January 2024, workers from Grupo Editora Panamá América (Epasa) protested to demand respect for freedom of expression and the protection of their jobs. The protest arose from concerns over possible government intervention in three media outlets—Panamá América, Crítica, and Día a Día—amidst a politicised judicial process. The workers highlighted the risks to press freedom and employment, calling for international attention from the Inter-American Press Association (SIP).
Protest on overdue scholarship payments
On 29th January, teachers and parents protested at the Institute for the Training and Development of Human Resources (IFRAHU) office in Chiriquí province, demanding payment of overdue scholarships.
Docentes y padres de familia realizaron una protesta en la sede del Ifarhu en la provincia de Chiriquí, para exigir que se realice el pago atrasado de becas.
— Telemetro Reporta (@TReporta) January 29, 2024
No descartan nuevas manifestaciones, piqueteos y cierres de vías.#TReporta pic.twitter.com/rgYpOlKYQ5
Association
Chamber of Commerce files criminal complaint against protest leaders for economic disruption
On 21st November 2023, the Chamber of Tourism, Commerce and Industry of Tierras Altas, Chiriquí, filed a criminal complaint against at least 21 environmental activists, journalists, protesters and small producers allegedly responsible for the severe crisis resulting from nationwide anti-mining protests in October and November 2023 (see peaceful assembly).
The Chamber accused the activists of crimes against economic assets, damages, crimes against collective security, terrorism and unlawful association under the Panamanian Penal Code. It also demanded US$ 50 million as compensation for damages.
Legal experts and activists affirmed that business owners and state officials in Chiriquí are determined to send a clear message that protests, such as road blockades, will not be tolerated and will be met with punishment:
“They are looking for ways to punish the population, to punish them and above all, to scare them so that they don’t do it again. But they won’t be successful. The people understand what they’re after,” said Celia Sanjur, a sociologist, journalist and long-time Panamanian human rights activist.
On 4th December 2023, the Public Prosecutor’s Office admitted the criminal complaint.
Expression
Journalists face hostility and violence during Panama’s nationwide protests
Between October and November 2023, Panama experienced a series of nationwide anti-mining protests (see peaceful assembly). During the demonstrations, journalists were subjected to violence, including physical assaults, equipment damage and verbal threats from both protesters and law enforcement.
On 23rd October 2023, Víctor Rivas, a cameraman for the Panamanian media outlet Telemetro Reporta, was injured while covering a protest. According to Rivas, a stone thrown by protesters ricocheted off the ground and struck his leg. Despite his injury, Rivas continued reporting while taking additional safety precautions. On the same day, the mobile unit of TVN Noticias was vandalised during coverage at Plaza 5 de Mayo, one of Panama City’s most significant public spaces.
Further incidents involved Aubrey Baxter, a freelance photographer and environmentalist. On 19th October 2023, while documenting protests in front of the National Assembly, Baxter was hit by several pepper ball pellets, one of which struck him below his right eye. As a result, Baxter permanently lost vision in that eye. Although the police denied responsibility, the Public Ministry investigated the matter.
Panama sees alarming erosion of freedom of expression
According to the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), in 2023, Panama experienced several legal and institutional actions undermining freedom of expression. In particular, journalists have faced harassment and attacks during protests against a controversial mining contract (see expression). Furthermore, judicial harassment persisted through lawsuits, particularly targeting Corprensa and Foco, with defamation claims demanding substantial compensation.