Protesters shot – how protests in Panama are escalating Federal Council wants to negotiate a new deal with the EU – here’s what happens next

Two people who took part in an anti-government protest were shot dead in Panama on Wednesday. The alleged perpetrator is said to be a retired law professor from the US.

Here’s what we know about the incident:

What happened?

Two teachers who took part in an anti-government protest in Panama were shot dead on the Pan-American Highway in Chame, Panama on Tuesday. The demonstrators were part of a blockade.

A video recorded by bystanders shows a driver threatening the demonstrators with a gun and then shooting at the people.

In the video you can hear the perpetrator talking to some demonstrators. Then he pulls out his gun. One of the activists then shouts at him: “Why don’t you shoot?!” At that moment, the man pulled the trigger and fatally struck a protester outside the group who was talking to the perpetrator in the upper body.

Who is the perpetrator?

Panamanian police later reported that they had arrested the suspected shooter at the scene.

Authorities initially reported that the perpetrator was unknown. The identity was quickly revealed on social media. The alleged shooter is said to be a 77-year-old American citizen. He is said to be a retired law professor.

Why is there a protest at all?

Protests have been going on in Panama for weeks against new construction projects by the Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals (FM.TO), which operates copper mines.

This is the largest wave of protests in Panama since the 1980s. At that time, Panamanians demonstrated against the dictatorship of Manuel Noriega.

On October 20, 2023, the government of Panama agreed to a twenty-year mining right with First Quantum – with an option to extend for another twenty years. In return, Panama receives $375 million per year.

Protesters say the contract is overly generous to the Canadian mining company and accuse the government of corruption. They also claim the mine poses environmental risks and are calling for the contract to be terminated and all new mining projects banned.

Critics say the mine would contaminate drinking water and otherwise burden the environment. Environmental activist Martita Cornejo told CNN:

Opposition to the mine is bringing together environmentalists, indigenous groups and teachers and construction unions who see the contracts between the government and the mining company as further evidence of widespread corruption.

The demonstrations are having an impact on the country: the business association complains that local businesses are losing up to $80 million every day due to roadblocks. Schools across the country were also closed for more than a week as teachers were also heavily involved in the protests. And more than 150,000 doctor’s appointments were missed, writes Reuters news agency. Farmers are also prevented from taking their harvest to market.

What does the government say about the demonstrations?

Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo responded to the protesters by saying that the mine would create jobs in addition to much-needed revenue. In Panama, tourism is recovering very slowly after the pandemic and a prolonged drought is significantly reducing traffic through the Panama Canal – which could mean an estimated $200 million loss for Panama by 2024.

(yam)