Martinelli Does Not Accept Full Responsibility For July Riots

(Panama-Guide) - Panama America -  While the Commission of Inquiry into the events in Bocas del Toro concluded "the main cause" of the riots in July was Law 30, president, Ricardo Martinelli, blamed an 'opposition party and a union" to be "responsible." Once he received the report, Martinelli said the commission, that he appointed, "had been afraid to say the real culprits were an opposition party and a union that has nothing to do with the area." "I have no fear," said Martinelli to the faces of the commissioners. "The easiest thing is to blame the state when the real culprits were the opposition party and the union", to which the president made reference on several occasions, but which he did not specifically identify. However, Martinelli said "this will not happen again in Panama," upon recognizing there was some degree of responsibility on the part of security agencies and the police in handling the situation.

Meanwhile, Roberto Troncoso, the president of the Commission, denied they had been "afraid" and said he respects the president's consideration, but blamed the circumstances, the approval of Law 30 and the management of the civilian authorities and the police in the violence. The commission concluded the management (of the situation) by the civilian authorities was "unwise and unacceptable" and that they were were "unable" inform in a timely manner and with greater certainty to the Central Government the magnitude of the situation, as well as to promote dialog with the parties in conflict. In addition, the Security Council failed in its responsibility to provide accurate information to the authorities, which led to negative consequences in the handling of the crisis.

It also states that as a product of violent incidents there were two direct deaths, two indirect deaths that should be investigated, that more than 700 people were wounded by birdshot, more than 60 were hit in the eye, there was damage to public and private offices as well as privately owned and state owned vehicles. The Commission succeeded in finding a breach of fundamental rights including the right to life, personal integrity, freedom of movement, access to food, timely health care, imprisonment and detention of persons against their will. The 500 page report said the intervention of the Minister of Labor, Alma Cortez, replaced the "temper" of the incidents provoked a "warming." After presenting the report, the commissioners recommended a repair project for the victims of human rights violations, excluding those involved in crimes.

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Original Source: Panama-Guide

Date Retreived: October 27, 2010.