https://iprights.org/index.php/en/all-statements/ipri-calls-for-an-immed...
Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI) makes an urgent call to stop the violent police raids and arbitrary arrests of indigenous leaders in the communities of the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca in Panama, which have left at least one young indigenous person seriously injured, eighty indigenous people with injuries of varying degrees, an undetermined number of people detained and families displaced as a result of the repression of social mobilization.
Information sent to IPRI directly by indigenous people from the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca indicates that, since May 14, forces of the National Police and the Panamanian border police have raided and besieged communities near Bocas del Toro, in the northwest of the country.
The indigenous demonstrators were participating in peaceful protests organized by various social and union groups to express their rejection of the approval of several laws and projects that they consider will impact their quality of life and their environmental and economic future. Demonstrations began on April 23, but since May 14, the repression has focused on the Ngäbe-Buglé indigenous communities, especially in the towns of Trinidad, El Piro, Ojo de Agua, Tolé, Viguí, and El Prado.
According to these testimonies, in addition to the eviction of demonstrators from roads and protest sites, police have entered indigenous communities and homes to locate and detain leaders. This has resulted in at least one person in serious condition from gunshot wounds, dozens of indigenous people injured, and 25 more detained without any certainty as to their physical condition, the charges against them, or whether they remain in State custody. In addition, entire families have been displaced to the mountains due to the aggressions and raids without warrants.
The Ngäbe-Buglé allege the indiscriminate use of buckshot, pepper spray, helicopter and drone overflights, and even firearms. In response to calls for dialogue, the head of the Executive Branch has indicated that he will not negotiate with the demonstrators.
IPRI strongly condemns these facts and demands the Panamanian State:
- The immediate cessation of repression against the mobilized indigenous communities and the withdrawal of police forces from their territories.
- The investigation with due diligence and bringing to justice those police elements that have made an abusive use of force, including those responsible under the chain of command.
- Appropriate reparation measures for individuals, families, and communities affected by the excessive use of force.
- The release of arbitrarily detained indigenous persons and the withdrawal of any proceedings or accusations against them.
- Establishing a respectful, intercultural and binding dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, with a focus on respecting their rights, including the right to free, prior and informed consultation.
- The guarantee of the exercise of the right to peaceful protest, self-determination, and territorial defense.
We urgently call on national and international human rights organizations to monitor this situation closely and issue statements condemning these grave violations of the individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples in Panama.
