The Ombudsman’s Office, through its Citizen Support Plan (PAC), maintained a presence in 368 situations of social unrest in the Republic of Panama, between May 23 and August 2, 2022, making a total of 1,483 hours of CAP; This is highlighted in its preliminary report.
The 5 provinces that registered the most accompaniments by Human Rights officers were: Herrera, Los Santos, Chiriquí – San Félix, Coclé and Veraguas; where most of the actions were organized by teachers, carriers, communities, members of SUNTRACS and students.
According to statistical data compiled by the 14 regional offices, in 55% of the cases it was a total closure of roads, 18% partial closure of streets, 2% closure of institutions and in the remaining 25% there was no affectation.
In addition, the report shows that in 92% there were no confrontations, while in 8% of the accompaniments there were altercations and the types of violence that arose were: destruction of private property, damage to state property, stone throwing and others. projectiles, burning tires, barricades, jostling between demonstrators and riot police; as well as aggressiveness towards human rights officials and the press that gave journalistic coverage of the events.
In the accompaniments carried out by the Human Rights officers of the Ombudsman’s Office, the use of tear gas was verified in 12 demonstrations, in 6 protests the use of rubber bullets, in 3 I used firearms, and in 1 there was a threat by part of police unit
This report also revealed the presence of children and adolescents (NNA) in 57% of the demonstrations.
Regarding complaints; there was opening in the Regional Offices of San Félix, Chiriquí, Veraguas and Los Santos; while at the headquarters, complaints were filed for events recorded at the University of Panama, Cinta Costera and Puente de Pacora.
