They blocked his way: university professor shoots two climate activists on the highway

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He brandished a gun, cursed and pulled the trigger: American lawyer Kenneth D.* (77) shot two climate demonstrators at close range in western Panama. The activists wanted to protest a mining operation by blocking the Pan-American Highway – now they’re dead.

The crime was captured on video. The environmentalists positioned themselves on the Panamanian highway. It drove the retired attorney and college professor, who lives in Panama City, crazy. He got out of his car and cursed, images show. The 77-year-old then took a few steps towards the activists before shooting at the demonstrators in front of dozens of witnesses.

One of the victims died immediately, the other succumbed to his serious injuries in hospital, AFP news agency reports based on local sources. The two men are said to be teachers.

Accusations of murder and illegal possession of weapons

The former university professor was immediately arrested and put in a police car. After a short hearing before the judge in the municipality of La Espiga, D. was taken into custody.

The lawyer for one of the victims, Eliécer Plicett, said D. would be charged with murder and illegal possession of weapons. Panama President Laurentino Cortizo offered his condolences to the families of the victims, saying: “Such a crime has no place in the society of this country.”

Activists in Panama have been protesting for three weeks against the government’s deal with a Canadian company. The goal is to operate Central America’s largest open-pit copper mine for at least another twenty years. This mine is located in an ecologically sensitive area. According to reports, the roadblocks have so far resulted in losses of 80 million per day. Schools across Panama had to be closed. (An)

*Name known

Source: Blick