The Tierras Altas Mayor’s Office sets guidelines for protests and closures

He Municipality of Tierras Altas in Chiriqui province approved Mayor’s Decree 015 of December 5, 2023through which Municipal Chief of the Highlands District establishes procedures and parameters for demonstrations held in the district.

According to the document, any gathering or intention to peacefully protest must be reported 24 hours in advance to the mayor’s office.

Those responsible for a rally or protest must communicate their intentions to local authorities in order to guarantee civil peace and coordination with other activities, as well as notify the appropriate institutions.

It also completely prohibits blocking public roads, and protesters must ensure that the areas used are free of litter and debris.

It prohibits the intrusion and destruction of public and private property, and the organizers of the meeting or demonstration will have to answer for any damage.

The mayor’s decree was met with applause from certain sectors, but also with fierce reactions like that one human rights lawyer, Gilma Gloria Camargo, which confirms that “the decree in question does not go beyond Constitution and people’s right to protest and self-determination”.

For the president of the Tourism Chamber of Tierras Altas, Maru Gálvez, andIt is crucial that local authorities protect their citizens and ensure compliance with the law.

Gálvez argues that the right to protest must be exercised without violating the rights of others.

The mayor’s decree was met with applause and fierce reactions like that of the lawyer human rights, Gilma Gloria Camargowho claims that “the regulation in question does not go beyond the framework of the Constitution and the people’s right to protest and self-determination”.

“This decree shows that they are neither patriotic, nor democratic, nor responsible,” says Camargo.

It’s November 27th Mountain Tourist Chamber, announced that the Ministry of Health, more specifically the Department of Primary Health Care David, accepted the report filed against 21 people, accused of organizing mobilizations and road closures, for crimes against economic assets, collective security and terrorism.

According to the Chiriquí Chamber of Commerce, more than 30 days of road blockades have left losses economic crisis of more than 800 million dollars for the logistics sector, more than 25 million for gas stations, shortages, millions of losses for the agricultural and tourism sectors.

Likewise, it caused suspension of some 1,075 contracts by some 21 companies in this region.

On the initiative of the community and the Chamber #HighlandsMayor’s Decree 015 was approved today:
-Protests must be reported 24 hours in advance
– The organizers bear responsibility if damage occurs
– They won’t be able to block the roads
-The justice of the peace is responsible for conflict resolution pic.twitter.com/RFS4Dj5rSe— Maru Galvez (@MaruGalvez) December 6, 2023