5th death detention center fire death --President speaks out
(Newsroompanama.com) The number of deaths of young people resulting from a fire at Juvenile Detention Center in Tocumen, reached five on Saturday, January 22.
The latest victim to die was Víctor JiménezPardo, 17, who had burns to 70 percent of his body. He died at San Tomas hospital, where the remaining two victims are considered stable.
The case became a public scandal after the TV airing of a video film showing police refusing to give assistance as the boys screamed for help. One of the officers called out “Die”. Investigations have revealed that the fire was likely started by tear gas canisters fired into the boys’ cell. The office in charge of the center claimed he has authorized only pepper spray.
After two weeks of silence, President Ricardo Martinelli made a special TV appearance on Saturday evening, and called for justice for the events which, he said, should never have occurred. Everyone involved should feel the full weight of the law.
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Original Source: Newsroompanama.com
Date Retrieved: January 23, 2011.
