Parallel Report
Presented by:
The Movement for the Defense of Territories and Ecosystems of
Bocas del Toro (MODETEAB)
y
The Alliance for Conservation and Development (ACD)
to the
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
on the occasion of the consideration of
The List of Issues
concerning the next Periodic Report of Panama
during the 116th Session of the Committee
November 17 – December 5, 2025
Submitted on August 25, 2025
Introduction
For many years, extractive activities, real estate speculation, and infrastructure projects have contributed to severe human rights violations against our Indigenous peoples in Panama. On multiple occasions, Panamanian authorities have permitted the operation of highway, mining, and hydroelectric projects—such as the Chan 75 hydroelectric project and the Barro Blanco hydroelectric project, as well as a proposed project to build Panama’s Fourth Electric Transmission Line— without consulting or obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of the affected Indigenous peoples, in violation of Law 37 of 2016 and Article 127 of the Panamanian Constitution. These unconsulted incursions have resulted in the dispossession of numerous Indigenous communities from their lands and the destruction of their traditional livelihoods, jeopardizing their way of living in harmony with nature, as well as their culture and ethnic identity forged in those territories for thousands of years.
Furthermore, although the Indigenous population has been increasing in percentage terms throughout the country, currently representing the majority in the provinces of Darién and Bocas del Toro, state investments in public services have not been proportional, including access to electricity, healthcare, and education, among other services . Similarly, neither our cultural identities nor our collective properties have been respected. While the number of Indigenous lands legally recognized as territories has increased, the State has maintained policies of abandonment, sabotage of our institutions, and disregard for our authorities, undermining the protection of our lands and way of life. This has recently led to the prosecution of our leaders, the flagrant occupation of our communities and collective lands, and the suspension of fundamental guarantees, both de jure y de facto, depending on the circumstances. Additionally, a high percentage of collective lands and territories still lack any kind of legal recognition, and our communities living there are being subjected to a systematic process of dispossession and displacement due to the advance of private investment and mega-tourism, mining, and energy projects. Although those affected regularly resort to the corresponding judicial and administrative bodies, such as justice of the peace houses, municipalities, ombudsmen’s offices, and municipal courts, their rights to property, due process, and equality before the law have been systematically and discriminatorily ignored. In light of the above, we consider that the State of Panama has acted in violation of the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, which are enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Amid this context of systematic violations of the human rights of our Indigenous peoples, a massive mobilization emerged in Panama in April of this year. This mobilization led to strikes, marches, and demonstrations in opposition to the new Social Security Law 462, as well as in rejection of the memorandum of understanding between the Panamanian government and the U.S. government to allow for a greater U.S. military presence in Panama. [1]Additionally, the protests expressed their rejection of the Panamanian government’s intention to reactivate mining projects in the country, [2]despite the outbreak of massive demonstrations against metal mining in Panama in 2023.[3]
In response to the mobilization, the Panamanian government resorted to excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, and criminal proceedings against protesters, university professors, union leaders, and indigenous community leaders. These actions have been denounced as a form of political persecution [4]and repression of the right to social protest. [5]For its part, the Ombudsman’s Office opened nationwide investigations “for possible human rights violations in the context of the protests.”[6]
The actions of security forces have been particularly repressive and violent in Indigenous territories, leaving multiple Indigenous people dead and numerous injured. It is important to note that, in the province of Bocas del Toro, this violence was carried out amid a widespread telecommunications blackout and the suspension of constitutional guarantees. Thus, the closure of civic space has been selective, aggressive, and directed toward Indigenous territories, reinforcing historical processes of exclusion, discrimination, and excessive use of force against Indigenous populations, especially in the context of megadevelopment projects.
This shadow report will focus on the events that occurred during the repression of our Indigenous communities in the context of social protest, as a clear example of the pattern of discriminatory treatment that our Indigenous peoples have faced in Panama for generations, a pattern that continues to this day. Section A presents information on the repression exercised against Indigenous communities in the Ngäbe-Buglé region and Emberá communities from mid-May to early June. Section B documents in detail the violence exercised against Ngäbe communities in the province of Bocas del Toro beginning in June.
This report is based on information MODETEAB has received directly from affected communities and public reports. In the days following the telecommunications blackout in Bocas del Toro, MODETEAB members visited numerous communities to hear firsthand the testimonies of those affected, including the communities of Loma Azul, Valle de Agua, Valle Rico, Nuevo Paraíso, Miraflores, Norteño, Pueblo Nuevo, Almirante, and Changuinola, among others. MODETEAB repudiates all forms of violence and denounces in the strongest terms the grave violations committed against numerous Ngäbe people in the province of Bocas del Toro, as well as against our sisters and brothers from the different Indigenous communities in Panama.
A. The events of repression in the Ngäbe-Buglé region and in Emberá communities
The security forces’ response to social protests was particularly brutal in our Indigenous communities, including those in the Ngäbe-Buglé region and Emberá communities, [7]as well as in the province of Bocas del Toro (see section B below). On several occasions, security forces—including not only the National Police but also the National Border Service (SENAFRONT)—stormed Indigenous communities and repressed protesters and the general population. With aerial support from helicopters, tear gas was launched in areas where Indigenous communities live, attacking children, women, and the elderly. Indigenous leaders have also reported the use of weapons against members of their communities and raids on their homes.[8]
In the Ngäbe-Buglé region and surrounding Indigenous communities, security forces suppressed peaceful protests, including in San Félix, San Lorenzo, Tolé, Trinidad, El Prado, Horconcito , and Ojo de Agua, among other Ngäbe communities. [9]For example, on May 13, three helicopters launched tear gas at protesters in the town of Viguí in the Ngäbe-Buglé region, and riot police subsequently stormed the community, firing tear gas indiscriminately and severely harming those present, including women and children. Between May 14 and 15, National Police and SENAFRONT officers entered El Piro in the Ngäbe-Buglé region, firing tear gas and pellet guns, hitting Ngäbe student Caleb Bejarano in the stomach. [10]He was hospitalized for treatment.[11]
Similarly, in the Emberá-Wounaan Comarca and surrounding Indigenous communities, security forces took action to repress Indigenous people beginning in mid-May, as was the case with the Emberá community in the town of Arimae in Darién province. Upon entering this community, security forces indiscriminately fired tear gas into the streets and even into some homes, severely affecting children, women, and the elderly who were present. Later, in the context of this repression of social protests in Arimae between May 31 and June 1, Roben Donisabe , a 12 -year-old Indigenous Emberá youth , died after being shot with pellets, according to a statement issued by Indigenous leaders.[12]
B. The events of repression towards the Ngäbe communities in Bocas del Toro
The beginning of the repression in the province of Bocas del Toro
In the province of Bocas del Toro, strikes and demonstrations paralyzed all forms of transportation entering and leaving the province. It is worth noting that in 2010, there was a general work stoppage in Bocas del Toro in opposition to Law 30 of 2010. During a demonstration on July 8, 2010, security forces resorted to force to suppress the protesters, leaving two people dead and numerous others injured.[13]
On May 27, 2025, the Panamanian government declared a state of emergency in the province of Bocas del Toro, [14]coinciding with the intensification of militarization in surrounding provinces. [15]On June 14, security forces began their repression against protesters and residents in Bocas del Toro, launching a police operation called “Operation Omega” to restore free movement in the province after more than 40 days of protests. [16]Security forces fired tear gas and pellets, with aerial support from helicopters. Due to this situation, entire families were forced to flee their homes and take refuge in the forest. Unfortunately, most media outlets failed to cover the violence perpetrated against our Indigenous communities in Bocas del Toro.
Both the National Police and SENAFRONT brutally repressed the Ngäbe population in the province, resorting to disproportionate force and arbitrarily detaining numerous people. It is estimated that thousands of specialized SENAFRONT units participated in this operation in different areas of the province. It should be noted that some of the helicopters used to repress protesters in the province belong to private companies; similarly, machinery belonging to private companies was used to remove protesters from some roads in the province. [17]Additionally, hundreds of drones were observed flying over the affected areas, as well as naval vessels stationed near the coast of Almirante.
Beginning on June 16, the repression intensified. In various parts of Bocas del Toro, residents documented how security forces used tear gas, pellets, and even bullets, in addition to entering homes to arrest those inside. The police repression left numerous people injured, including two with serious head injuries. This occurred in the context of police violence in the communities of Oriente and Pueblo Nuevo in the Ngäbe-Buglé region, near the province of Bocas del Toro.[18]
Arrests and criminalization of protesters and indigenous leaders from June 14-20
Between June 14 and 20, dozens of people were detained in Bocas del Toro. [19]MODETEAB is aware of cases of abuses against the dignity of detainees, including some cases in which security forces stripped these individuals and forced them to walk in their underwear in front of members of their communities before transferring them to other jurisdictions.
Additionally, it was reported that the government issued an arrest warrant for Elena Cruz, the Chief General and highest traditional authority of the Ngäbe-Buglé community. [20]The indigenous leader had published a statement denouncing the deployment of security forces by air and land in indigenous territories, [21]in addition to demanding the withdrawal of Law No. 462, which reforms the Social Security Fund, and the revocation of a memorandum of understanding between the governments of Panama and the U.S. , as well as the cancellation of mining projects, including projects that would affect territories inhabited by indigenous communities.[22]
Intensified abuses amid telecommunications suspension in Bocas del Toro from June 20 to 29
On June 20, following a series of acts of violence and vandalism committed by a group of hooded men in the Changuinola district of Bocas del Toro, [23]the Panamanian government declared a state of emergency in the province, suspending several constitutional guarantees for a period of five days. [24]The state of emergency was extended for an additional five days, beginning on June 24. [25]During this entire period, the government blocked telecommunications networks in the province.[26]
It should be noted that no acts of vandalism or looting had been reported during the protests held in the weeks prior to the arrival of security forces in the province. Far from establishing security, these forces created an atmosphere of violence, breaking into communities, beating men, abusing women, and spraying pepper spray in residents’ faces. According to testimonies from residents of several affected communities, members of the security forces threatened to set fire to their homes. Additionally, residents have testified that security forces stole their belongings, including solar panels, batteries, and gas tanks, in addition to removing food products from local stores. Due to this situation, many residents were forced to abandon their communities, taking some of their belongings with them and taking refuge in the mountains.
Amid the telecommunications blackout, hundreds of people were detained, [27]many of whom were transferred to other provinces. [28]There are serious concerns about their treatment, both at the time of their arrest and in detention centers; cases of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse have even been reported. [29]Some were denied access to a lawyer and all forms of communication with their families. Furthermore, the whereabouts of some of the Ngäbe people detained in Bocas del Toro during the telecommunications blackout remain unknown. These individuals include Mercedes Jiménez, Venero Guerra, Santiago Lorenzo, Fabiám Serrano, Rigoberto Hernández, Fermín Pineda, and Arcides Guerra.
For its part, the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture, part of the Ombudsman’s Office, began an investigation into the treatment of prisoners, having interviewed more than 180 people from Bocas del Toro as of June 26. [30]On July 3, the Ombudsman’s Office presented its preliminary report, documenting 92 cases of arbitrary detentions and 99 cases of cruel and inhuman treatment, among other abuses.[31]
In the weeks following the restoration of telecommunications in Bocas del Toro, security forces continued to harass members of our Indigenous communities, arbitrarily detaining them based solely on accusations of having participated in the protests or simply for having expressed support for the demonstrations. It seems that the mere fact of belonging to an Indigenous community is sufficient to be subjected to harassment and even arrest. It should be noted that on July 7, some Indigenous individuals and organizations held a march in Bocas del Toro to express their disagreement with the events of Operation Omega. SENAFRONT forces intervened during the march, prohibiting people from exercising their human rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, despite the fact that the state of emergency had ended more than a week ago.
On the other hand, a hunger crisis has developed in the Changuinola district and other indigenous areas in Bocas del Toro, due in part to the layoff of thousands of workers, mainly from banana plantations, [32]following social protests in the province. Furthermore, the neglect of the plantations has allowed the spread of the black Sigatoka disease, which has caused significant losses in plantation yields and negatively affected the province’s food supply.[33]
The violence culminated in the loss of human lives of members of the
Ngäbe people.
According to public reports and information MODETEAB has received directly from the victims’ communities, police violence in Bocas del Toro left at least two Indigenous Ngäbe people dead. [34]First, on June 17, the death of a 24-year-old man was reported during police actions in the community of Rambala , Bocas del Toro. [35]This man was the father of three children. According to community testimony, he had not participated in the protests, but had come to this area to visit his relatives and found himself in this situation, where he was violently attacked for being in the area and being Indigenous, which led to his death.
Subsequently, on June 24, 2025, the death of a one-year-and-eight-month-old Ngäbe girl was reported, allegedly from tear gas inhalation in Pueblo Nuevo, after security forces stormed the village and launched tear gas, forcing the girl’s family to flee the village and preventing the girl from receiving medical attention.[36]
We express our deep concern for the many children who were exposed to tear gas. We emphasize that exposure to this type of police violence could lead to serious short- and long-term physical and psychological health problems for these children. Furthermore, we are aware that several pregnant women were also exposed to tear gas, and there is serious concern that this exposure may have increased their risk of miscarriage.
While the deaths of the two Ngäbe individuals mentioned above have been publicly acknowledged, we are concerned that there may be other cases of deaths that have not been reported or acknowledged to date. For example, reports circulated of decomposing bodies being found in the San San area of Bocas del Toro. Following these reports, on July 3, the National Police, in coordination with the Benemérito Fire Department, the Public Ministry, and other law enforcement agencies, conducted an inspection of the area and announced that no human remains were found. [37]For its part, the Attorney General’s Office reported on July 3 that it had initiated an ex officio investigation into the alleged bodies. [38]The Attorney General’s Office subsequently publicly acknowledged that at least one death by firearm had been confirmed during the crisis in Bocas del Toro. [39]However, the President of the Republic has denied that any deaths occurred in Bocas del Toro. [40]Given this situation, there are serious concerns that the human rights violations committed in Bocas del Toro will not be properly investigated, even though many Indigenous people experience the severe physical and psychological consequences of this repression on a daily basis.
Conclusion and Recommended Questions
As members of MODETEAB, we reiterate our deep concern regarding the human rights violations committed in the context of social protests in Panama. We strongly denounce all inhumane treatment and violence, and emphasize that the State of Panama has the obligation to respect the human rights of all people present in the country—including Indigenous peoples— without any discrimination . We also condemn the suspension of constitutional guarantees and the interruption of telecommunications in Bocas del Toro, which has left our Indigenous communities vulnerable to repression perpetrated by the security forces.
Based on the above, we urge the Committee to require the State of Panama to provide additional information on the following issues related to the situation of our indigenous communities in Panama:
- Please explain what specific measures the State party has adopted or proposes to adopt to prevent and mitigate the negative impacts of development projects on indigenous communities, as well as to guarantee the right of all indigenous people to equality in terms of access to public services, including the enjoyment of the rights to public health, medical care, social security, and education.
- Please provide information on the measures taken by the State party to investigate allegations of disproportionate use of force, arbitrary arrests and other forms of violence, harassment and discrimination committed against members of indigenous peoples in the context of this year’s mass mobilization, as well as to guarantee the human rights of all indigenous peoples in Panama, including the right to equal treatment before the courts, as well as the enjoyment of freedom of expression, assembly and peaceful association.
We take this opportunity to express our highest regards, thanking you in advance for your attention, and remain at your disposal for any further information.
The signatory organizations:
The Movement for the Defense of the Territories and Ecosystems of Bocas del Toro is a nonprofit civic association committed to human values and citizen participation. It works with the Ngäbe and Buglé indigenous peoples and aims to restore the cultures of our indigenous communities, as well as to educate about the rights of indigenous peoples and territorial defense.
The Alliance for Conservation and Development is a Panamanian non-governmental organization whose objectives are primarily focused on the origin of its name: to create and foster strategic alliances to achieve true development with environmental conservation of nature.
[1]See Adriana Berna, Women raise their voices in rejection of Law 462 and memorandum with the US , La Estrella de Panamá (May 25, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/mujeres-alzan-la-voz-en-rechazo-a-la-ley-462-y-memorandum-con-ee-uu-NG13151268.
[2]Watch Video: Women protested against Law 462 , La Estrella de Panamá (May 26, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/videos/video-mujeres-protestaron-en-contra-de-la-ley-462-FF13164441.
[3]Additionally, in 2023, the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional Contract Law 406 for the extraction of the “Cobre Panamá” mine, the largest open-pit copper mine in Central America. See Mary Triny Zea, Ruling against mining in Panama: “The population in the streets was key in saying that we want a green, sustainable country and development for all,” Mongabay ( December 5 , 2025), https://es.mongabay.com/2023/12/fallo-contra-mineria-en-panama-entrevista-isaias-ramos/.
[4]See Adriana Berna, Strike exceeds 34 days, UP offers mediation and Chiquita suspends operations , La Estrella de Panamá (May 26, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/huelga-supera-los-34-dias-up-ofrece-mediacion-y-chiquita-suspende-operaciones-PK13195912; Adolfo Berríos Riaño & Juan Alberto Cajar B., Suntracs raided , proceedings continue and arrest warrants issued for its leaders; Government denies persecution , La Estrella de Panamá (May 22, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/allanan-a-suntracs-siguen-procesos-y-ordenan-captura-de-sus-dirigentes-gobierno-niega-persecucion-GF13072037.
[5]Manuel Vega Loo , ‘Deep Concern’: Independent Lawyers Question Government Action , La Estrella de Panamá (May 26, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/preocupacion-profunda-abogados-independientes-cuestionan-actuacion-del-gobierno-OF13166679.
[6] The Ombudsman’s Office is working on its preliminary report on social protests , Ombudsman’s Office of the Republic of Panama (May 15, 2025), https://www.defensoria.gob.pa/la-defensoria-trabaja-en-su-informe-preliminar-sobre-las-protestas-sociales/.
[7]See Gonzalo Ortuño López, Panama Protests: Indigenous Communities Report Attacks and Arrests for Rejecting Central America’s Largest Open-Pit Mine , Mongabay (May 27, 2025), https://es.mongabay.com/2025/05/panama-protestas-mina-violencia-defensores-indigenas/; see also Resistance and Repression: The Grave Situation of Indigenous Peoples in the Face of the Political and Social Crisis in Panama , Cultural Survival (May 23, 2025), https://www.culturalsurvival.org/es/news/resistencia-y-represion-la-grave-situacion-de-los-pueblos-indigenas-frente-la-crisis-politica .
[8]See @radiotemblor, Denuncia y Justicia , Instagram (May 15, 2025), https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJrSZFJu9Zp/?igsh=eW92bXhrZmZlcmZt; Indigenous people demand their rights and social security , Al Día Panamá (May 20, 2025), https://aldiapanama.com/2025/05/indigenas-reclaman-sus-derechos-y-seguridad-social/ (The National Coordinator of Indigenous Peoples of Panama (“COONAPIP”) denounces the militarization of the Ngäbe-Buglé and Emberá-Wounaan indigenous territories, as well as the use of high-caliber weapons against members of these indigenous peoples); Adriana Berna, Indigenous leaders accuse the government of persecution and violence in communities , La Estrella de Panamá (May 14, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/dirigencia-indigena-acusa-al-gobierno-de-persecucion-y-violencia-en-comunidades-JK12817806; John Ahni Schertow , Panama’s Indigenous and Civil Movements Under Siege , Intercontinental Cry Magazine (May 16, 2025), https://icmagazine.org/panamas-indigenous-and-civil-movements-under-siege/; Richard Arghiris , Indigenous Leaders Condemn the “ Criminalization of Protests ” in Panama , Intercontinental Cry Magazine (May 27, 2025), https://icmagazine.org/indigenous-leaders-condemn-the-criminalization-of-protests-in-panama/.
[9]See They denounce that the Mulino government unleashes its fury against the people of the Ngöbe Buglé region , Economic Panorama (May 14, 2025), https://panoramaeconomicopma.com/locales/denuncian-que-gobierno-de-mulino-desata-su-furia-contra-el-pueblo-de-la-comarca-ngobe-bugle/; Indigenous leaders denounce that they are under siege by the police , La Verdad Panamá (May 16, 2025), https://www.laverdadpa.com/dirigentes-indigenas-denuncian-que-estan-sitiados-por-la-policia/.
[10]See Gonzalo Ortuño López, supra n. 6 (citing Indigenous human rights defender Mary Acosta Pinilla, who describes how security agents entered the community of El Piro in mid-May, firing tear gas and pellet guns at the population). Other Indigenous people have been physically attacked, including an Indigenous woman who risks losing her arm after a direct hit, as well as people who have been shot in the head. Id.
[11]See University of Panama demands exhaustive investigation into criminal act against university student Caleb Bejarano , Hacia la Luz Magazine (May 21, 2025), https://uphacialaluz.com/2025/05/21/universidad-de-panama-exige-investigacion-exhaustiva-por-acto-criminal-contra-estudiante-universitario-caleb-bejarano/.
[12]See Adriana Berna, Guna General Congress denounces state repression against indigenous peoples and demands justice , La Estrella de Panamá (June 1, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/congreso-general-guna-denuncia-represion-estatal-contra-pueblos-indigenas-y-exige-justicia-MC13336486; see also Ombudsman’s Office makes urgent call for social peace through dialogue in Arimae , Darién , Ombudsman’s Office of the Republic of Panama (June 2, 2025), https://www.defensoria.gob.pa/defensoria-hace-llamado-urgente-a-la-paz-social-a-traves-del-dialogo-en-arimae-darien/.
[13]See IACHR Expresses Concern over Deaths and Injuries During Protests in Panama , Inter-American Commission on Human Rights , Press Release No. 77/10 (August 3, 2010), https://www.cidh.oas.org/Comunicados/Spanish/2010/77-10sp.htm. Panama’s current president, José Raúl Mulino Quintero, was serving as Minister of Security at the time .
[14]See Cabinet declares state of emergency in Bocas del Toro and appoints a High-Level Commission for its recovery , Presidency of the Republic of Panama (May 27, 2025), https://www.presidencia.gob.pa/publicacion/gabinete-declara-estado-de-emergencia-en-bocas-del-toro-y-designa-comision-de-alto-nivel-para-su-recuperacion.
[15]See Panama: Alert against violent repression against Ngäbe-Buglé indigenous communities in the context of social protests , Front Line Defenders (June 3, 2025), https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/es/statement-report/panama-concern-over-violent-repression-against-ngabe-bugle-indigenous-communities.
[16]See Ismael Gordón Guerrel , Government seeks to restore free transit in Bocas del Toro , La Estrella de Panamá (June 15, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/gobierno-busca-restablecer-el-libre-transito-en-bocas-del-toro-BC13669998.
[17]See Richard Arghiris , Panama Government Declares Curfew , Uses Private Assets Against Indigenous Protesters , Intercontinental Cry Magazine (June 17, 2025), https://icmagazine.org/panama-government-declares-curfew-uses-private-assets-against-indigenous-protesters/ (citing the testimony of Feliciano Santos, Coordinator of MODETEAB).
[18]See Richard Arghiris , Indigenous Protester Shot Dead By Police In Panama , Intercontinental Cry Magazine (June 18, 2025), https://icmagazine.org/indigenous-protester-shot-dead-by-police-in-panama/ (citing information and materials provided by MODETEAB).
[19]See Manuel Vega Loo , Crisis in Bocas del Toro: 34 arrested and 19 points reopened in Operation Omega , La Estrella de Panamá (June 16, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/crisis-en-bocas-del-toro-34-aprehendidos-y-19-puntos-reabiertos-en-operacion-omega-KH13722877; see also Henry Cárdenas P., Operation Omega: at least 80 arrested; 29 amid acts of vandalism in Bocas del Toro , La Prensa (June 20, 2025), https://www.prensa.com/judiciales/operacion-omega-al-menos-80-aprehendidos-29-en-medio-de-actos-vandalicos-en-bocas-del-toro/.
[20]Additionally, on June 15, Francisco Smith, General Secretary of the Union of Workers in the Banana, Agricultural and Related Companies Industry ( Sitraibana ), was arrested. See Pedro Rodríguez, National Police apprehend union leader Francisco Smith , Estrella de Panamá (June 15, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/policia-nacional-aprehende-al-dirigente-sindical-francisco-smith-KM13689443?mrs=eyJnIjo5LCJjIjoiUmVjb21lbmRhY2nzbiBkZSBjb250ZW5pZG9zIiwiYSI6IlZpc2l0YSBkZSBhcnTtY3VsbyByZWNvbWVuZGFkbyIsIm4iOiJN4XMgcGFyYSB0aSJ9.
[21]See Adriana Berna, ‘My people are wounded’: Ngäbe-Buglé authority condemns the Government’s actions with Operation Omega , La Estrella de Panamá (June 14, 2025),https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/mi-pueblo-esta-herido-autoridad-ngabe-bugle-condena-accionar-del-gobierno-con-el-operativo-omega-KC13666851#goog_rewarded.
[22] Id. ; see also Viviana Herrera & Paulina Personius , Calling on First Quantum Minerals to Definitely and Safely Close its Copper Panama Mine , Mining Watch Canada (June 11, 2025), https://miningwatch.ca/blog/2025/6/11/calling-first-quantum-minerals-definitely-and-safely-close-its-cobre-panama-mine; Chris Taylor, Panama’s vast Cobre mine is closed . So why is their security still restricting access to local villages? , The Guardian ( January 21 , 2025), https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jan/21/panama-cobre-mine-first-quantum-minerals.
[23]See Manuel Vega Loo , Hooded men damage facilities at Changuinola Airport , La Estrella de Panamá (June 19, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/encapuchados-danan-instalaciones-en-el-aeropuerto-de-changuinola-AI13826251.
[24]See Juan Alberto Cajar B. & Manuel Vega Loo , Government declares state of emergency in Bocas del Toro, constitutional guarantees suspended , La Estrella de Panamá ( June 20, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/gobierno-declara-estado-de-urgencia-en-bocas-del-toro-se-suspenden-garantias-constitucionales-AJ13833993; Manuel Vega Loo , Vamos Party rejects suspension of guarantees in Bocas del Toro and demands immediate rectification , La Estrella de Panamá (June 20, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/politica/bancada-vamos-rechaza-suspension-de-garantias-en-bocas-del-toro-y-exige-rectificacion-inmediata-IO13849364; See also Public Appeal No. 2 regarding the Declaration of a State of Emergency in the province of Bocas del Toro , Ombudsman’s Office of the Republic of Panama (June 22, 2025), https://www.defensoria.gob.pa/llamado-publico-n-2-ante-la-declaratoria-de-estado-de-urgencia-en-la-provincia-de-bocas-del-toro/.
[25] The state of emergency in Bocas del Toro is extended for five more days, and the maximum amount for contracts and purchases for the recovery of the province is quadrupled , Presidency of the Republic of Panama (June 24, 2025), https://www.presidencia.gob.pa/publicacion/extienden-cinco-dias-mas-el-estado-de-urgencia-en-bocas-del-toro-y-se-cuadruplica-la-suma-limite-en-contrataciones-y-compras-para-la-recuperacion-de-la-provincia.
[26]See Leiny Pérez, Suspension of cell phone and internet in Bocas del Toro is extended until June 29, reiterated Minister Ábrego , La Estrella de Panamá (June 26, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/suspension-de-celular-e-internet-en-bocas-del-toro-se-extiende-hasta-este-29-de-junio-reitero-ministro-abrego-KE14011182.
[27]See Darine Waked , Operation Omega adds 280 detainees and investigates the death of a minor due to tear gas in SOS Villages , La Estrella de Panamá (June 25, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/operacion-omega-suma-280-detenidos-e-investiga-fallecimiento-de-menor-por-gases-lacrimogenos-en-aldeas-sos-ED13989937; See also Adolfo Berríos Riaño, ‘Your whole family is going to the barracks!’: Police raid in Bocas is recorded on video, Police react , La Estrella de Panamá (June 28, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/toda-tu-familia-va-pa-l-cuartel-allanamiento-policial-en-bocas-queda-grabado-en-video-policia-reacciona-OA14059340.
[28]See Ombudsman’s Office requests that those detained in the state of emergency be transferred to Bocas del Toro , TVN News (July 2, 2025), https://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/defensoria-pueblo-solicitad-aprehendidos-urgencia-estado-bocas-del-toro_1_2196380.html.
[29]Juan Alberto Cajar B., Alert on possible abuses and violations of processes with detainees in Bocas del Toro , La Estrella de Panamá (June 26, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/alertan-sobre-posibles-abusos-y-violacion-a-procesos-con-detenidos-en-bocas-del-toro-LC13993910; Juan Alberto Cajar B., ‘Once they arrive, we will investigate,’ claims Government on allegations of abuse of detainees , La Estrella de Panamá (June 27, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/una-vez-lleguen-investigamos-alega-gobierno-sobre-denuncias-de-abusos-a-detenidos-NH14026748 (“ According to testimony gathered by lawyers for the detainees, who spoke with this media outlet, several of the 71 detained this week have been subjected to mistreatment with beatings, psychological abuse and effects on their health, as well as violations of judicial terms. They even reported that as of Thursday the whereabouts of some of those arrested or the circumstances of their apprehension were unknown, which compromised access to legal defense.”) ; See also Ombudsman’s Office requests police information on the whereabouts of minors , Ombudsman’s Office of the Republic of Panama (June 27, 2025), https://www.defensoria.gob.pa/defensoria-del-pueblo-solicita-informacion-sobre-paradero-de-personas-menores-de-edad-aprehendidos-en-bocas-del-toro/.
[30] National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture interviews 181 people deprived of their liberty , Ombudsman’s Office of the Republic of Panama (June 26, 2015), https://www.defensoria.gob.pa/mecanismo-nacional-para-la-prevencion-de-la-tortura-entrevista-a-181-personas-privadas-de-libertad/; see also Adriana Berna, Ombudsman demands answers from the police regarding minors detained in Bocas del Toro , La Estrella de Panamá (June 28, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/defensoria-exige-respuestas-a-policia-por-menores-detenidos-en-bocas-del-toro-AB14049687.
[31]See Juan Alberto Cajar B., Inhuman Treatment and Serious Abuses in Bocas del Toro, Revealed in Report by the Ombudsman’s Office , La Estrella de Panamá (July 4, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/trato-inhumano-y-abusos-graves-en-bocas-del-toro-revela-informe-de-la-defensoria-del-pueblo-PG14211619; see also Ombudsman’s Office Files Criminal Complaint for ‘Human Rights Violation’ in Bocas del Toro , TVN Noticias (July 3, 2025), https://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/bocas-del-toro-defensoria-presenta-denuncia-penal-violacion-derechos-humanos_1_2196525.html.
[32]See Why the banana company Chiquita fired 5,000 workers in Panama with the support of President Mulino , BBC News Mundo (May 23, 2025), https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cn4g3xjdyz4o.
[33]See Mary Triny Zea, Banana export value falls to 2021 levels , La Estrella de Panamá (August 18, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/cae-el-valor-de-la-exportacion-de-banano-a-niveles-de-2021-GH15302136.
[34]This is in addition to the death of a young Emberá indigenous man in early June, amid the repression of social protests in the town of Arimae . See Section A, above.
[35]See Mauricio Valenzuela, Police report one death in Bocas del Toro amid protests, what did they say about the case? , La Estrella de Panamá (June 17, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/policia-reporta-un-fallecido-en-bocas-del-toro-en-medio-de-las-protestas-que-dijeron-del-caso-JA13759275; José Agustín Del Mar, Death of a person confirmed in Bocas del Toro amid clashes , Eco TV Panamá (June 17, 2025), https://www.ecotvpanama.com/nacionales/confirman-deceso-una-persona-bocas-del-toro-medio-los-enfrentamientos-n6043640; Bernabé Yangüez , The Police Version on the 24-Year-Old Who Died amid the Protests , La Estrella de Panamá (June 19, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/bocas-del-toro-la-version-de-la-policia-sobre-el-joven-de-24-anos-que-murio-en-medio-de-las-protestas-KK13809434.
[36]See Ombudsman files complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office for alleged death of child , Ombudsman’s Office of the Republic of Panama (June 26, 2025), https://www.defensoria.gob.pa/defensoria-presenta-denuncia-ante-el-ministerio-publico-por-presunta-muerte-de-infante/; Adriana Berna, Ombudsman reports to the Public Prosecutor’s Office the death of a girl after an operation in Bocas del Toro , La Estrella de Panamá (June 26, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/defensoria-del-pueblo-denuncia-en-el-ministerio-publico-la-muerte-de-nina-tras-operativo-en-bocas-del-toro-FF14008915; Lourdes García Armuelles, SOS Villages: There are documents that support the hypothesis about tear gas in the case of a deceased minor , La Estrella de Panamá (June 27, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/aldeas-sos-si-hay-documentos-que-respaldan-hipotesis-sobre-gases-lacrimogenos-en-caso-de-menor-fallecida-BG14030414; Richard Arghiris , Indigenous infant killed in police Operation in Bocas del Toro, Panama , Intercontinental Cry Magazine (June 28, 2025), https://icmagazine.org/indigenous-infant-killed-in-police-operation-in-bocas-del-toro-panama/.
[37]See Adriana Berna, Authorities rule out the existence of mass graves in Finca 6, Bocas del Toro , La Estrella de Panamá (July 3, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/autoridades-descartan-existencia-de-fosas-comunes-en-finca-6-bocas-del-toro-IG14212497; see also Prosecutor’s Office begins investigation into alleged corpses in Bocas del Toro banana plantation , Panamá América (July 3, 2025), https://www.panamaamerica.com.pa/provincias/fiscalia-inicia-investigacion-por-presuntos-cadaveres-en-bananal-de-bocas-del-toro.
[38]See Manuel Vega Loo , Attorney General’s Office investigates discovery of alleged bodies in Bocas del Toro, but none have been located yet , La Estrella de Panamá (July 3, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/procuraduria-investiga-hallazgo-de-supuestos-cadaveres-en-bocas-del-toro-pero-aun-no-ubican-a-ninguno-KH14207159; see also Aminta Bustamante, Bocas del Toro: Authorities report they have not found any bodies in a banana plantation area; Public Ministry begins investigation , TVN Noticias (July 3, 2025), https://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/bocas-del-toro-ministerio-publico-desmiente-hallazgo-de-cuerpo-cadaveres-finca-bananera_1_2196612.html.
[39]See TVN News, Attorney General confirms death by firearm in crisis in Bocas del Toro , Instagram (July 28, 2025), https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMq9XG8NRKk/?hl=en.
[40]See Adolfo Berríos Riaño, President Mulino will not support the creation of a Truth Commission to investigate abuses in Bocas del Toro , La Estrella de Panamá (July 17, 2025), https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/presidente-mulino-no-apoyara-creacion-de-comision-de-la-verdad-para-investigar-abusos-en-bocas-del-toro-GG14563511; Esther Ortega S., Mulino denies deaths in Bocas and refuses to create an investigative commission , El Siglo (July 17, 2025), https://elsiglo.com.pa/panama/mulino-niega-muertes-en-bocas-y-rechaza-crear-comision-investigadora-video-GG14565164.
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