LIMA, Peru – The Government of Panama reported this Monday that it received confirmation from its embassy in Cuba about the arrest in Havana of a group of Panamanian citizens.
In a statementthe Panamanian administration assured that from the first moment it has made formal representations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba through its diplomatic representation on the Island.
According to the note, the tasks seek to know the legal situation of their compatriots, guarantee their physical integrity and ensure full respect for their rights in accordance with international law and current legislation.
According to the preliminary information provided by the Cuban authorities, the case is in the initial stage of investigation and will be sent to the corresponding tax authorities. Panama has requested continued consular access and procedural guarantees.
“The Panamanian Government will act with responsibility, prudence and firmness in defending the rights of its citizens, while respecting the sovereignty and legal framework of the Republic of Cuba,” the statement said.
Likewise, Panama asked the Cuban regime to respect due process, adherence to human rights and citizen rights for detained Panamanians.
“We reiterate our commitment to keep families informed through official channels and to provide the necessary consular assistance,” warns the official text.
Why were the Panamanians detained?
The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) of Cuba reported in the day before about the arrest in Havana of 10 Panamanian citizens accused of committing “propaganda acts against the constitutional order”, a crime provided for in article 124 of the Penal Code.
The official note from the MININT—disseminated by the Presidency of Cuba and several official media—was initially deleted and republished shortly after, according to reports. Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego and other Cuban users on Facebook.
According to the official statement, dated this Monday, the 10 Panamanian citizens, residents in the isthmus country, were arrested on Saturday, February 28 after being considered “authors of propaganda acts against the constitutional order.”
The text adds that the “initial investigations show that these people had been directed to enter Cuba with the purpose of making signs with subversive content, contrary to the constitutional order.”
According to the same note, after meeting the supposed objective, they had to leave the country and, “upon their return to Panamathey would receive a sum of money that, according to their first statements, ranges between 1,000 and 1,500 dollars for each one.”
Likewise, the MININT He assured that “from the moment of the arrest, those involved have acknowledged being the authors of events of this nature, carried out in the capital during the early hours of Saturday, February 28,” and concluded by noting that “investigations continue.”
