PANAMA, MAY 15, 2025
TO: Regional and international human rights organizations and authorities
The Movement for the Defense of the Territories and Ecosystem of Bocas del Toro, as an organization that upholds the human rights of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, publicly denounces the repressive situation currently being experienced by the Panamanian people who are legitimately protesting following the approval of Law 462 of 2025.
This law, promoted by the government of José Raúl Molino, introduces drastic changes to the Social Security Fund (Caja del Seguro Social) and has enormous potential to affect the well-being and basic human rights of the population. As a result, it has sparked deep discontent among citizens, leading to mass protests by teacher unions, labor syndicates, social organizations, university students, and Indigenous peoples.
During the third week of peaceful protests by citizens and various sectors, the government of José Raúl Molino, through the Ministry of Government and Justice, has ordered the National Police to attack protesters with tear gas and carry out arbitrary detentions. Recently, orders have been given to drop tear gas from helicopters, affecting homes inhabited by elderly people, children, and women. These gases have also been deployed on schools, severely injuring children and women. Examples of such police attacks include incidents in the regions of Tolé and San Lorenzo (Chiriquí), and Arimae (Darién).
We emphasize that these actions violate the rights and individual guarantees enshrined in the Panamanian Constitution, as well as international human rights commitments that Panama has signed.
We call for solidarity from citizens and regional and international organizations to bring visibility to and denounce the abuses committed by the Panamanian government against its own people. We also make an urgent appeal to the Panamanian government to immediately cease the atrocities and abuses committed by the National Police and the National Border Service (SENAFRONT).
Sincerely,
Cho Ichigo Kuingobo
Feliciano Santos
Human Rights Activist
C.c. – Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
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