Protesters block a road with a tree trunk while police throw tear gas at them in Bocas del Toro province, Panama. Photo: EFE.
One person died in the Panamanian town of Rambala, in the Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro, during protests on Thursday, June 19. Protests have been taking place in Panama against the new reform of the pension system.
The victim, whose name has not been disclosed, was found with a wound in his back after clashes between demonstrators and police forces. The deputy minister of Security, Luis Felipe Icaza, confirmed the death. However, he denied that the police had used firearms against the protesters.
According to witnesses and media, the police repression included tear gas and direct clashes in the streets. The injured person was treated by paramedics at the scene but died after being transferred to a hospital. The incident has been called a “crime” by student organizations, which hold the government of President José Raúl Mulino responsible for the violence.
The demonstrations have been taking place for over a month, led by construction workers’ unions, teachers’ unions, and indigenous communities. All are demanding the repeal of a pension reform approved in March, which raises the retirement age and opens the door to the privatization of pension funds. Condemnation of these measures has been widespread throughout Panama.
In response to the blockades and riots, the government deployed 1,300 police officers in Bocas del Toro and reported the arrest of over 500 people. Since Saturday, June 20, hooded groups have blocked roads using logs and stones. Meanwhile, tension is growing throughout the country due to the lack of dialogue and an increase in repression.
‘With Our Dignity High, No Repression Can Stop Us,’ Say Panamanian Workers
Venezuela and Panama resume consular services
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela and Panama announced the reactivation of consular services, with the purpose of assisting their citizens.
Through a press release on Thursday, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil stated that the decision was taken in order to provide essential assistance and protection to Venezuelan and Panamanian citizens residing in each country.
An unofficial translation of the statement is provided below:
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Republic of Panama inform the international community and their respective citizens that, given the urgent need to attend to the consular affairs of their nationals, they have agreed to reactivate the consular services of Panama in Caracas and of Venezuela in Panama City in the coming days.
The main objective of this measure is to provide assistance and protection to the Panamanian and Venezuelan communities residing in both countries.
Caracas, June 19, 2025
(Telesur) with Orinoco Tribune content
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/SC/SF
