Fishermen Close Streets in Protest

(Panama-Guide) - La Prensa - A group of Riot Police officers of the National Police this afternoon are trying to restore the flow of traffic on Avenida Balboa and the coastal strip, which were closed by fishermen who oppose Decree No.486 of 28 December 2010. Fishermen from the interior of the country closed the roadway this afternoon because the decree prohibits the use of long-line fishing by industrial fishing vessels. Rigoberto Mera, a spokesman for the protesters said they will stay in the area, but on the sidewalk to respect the right of drivers and pedestrians. "We apologize to the community for the problems we have caused thus far," said Mera. Mera told TVN News they have not had any response from the authorities to their requests. He added that he has not received any call from the officials of the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama. To avoid confrontations with the riot police officers fishermen decided at 2:40 pm go to the National Assembly, where they continue their protests. At the time of writing this report, both Ave Balboa and the Coastal Strip had been cleared.

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Original Source: Panama-Guide

Date Retrieved: January 2011.