(Prensa.com) The government sent riot police into the streets, although he said he would not. Martinelli insists that there are ‘hidden agenda’ behind the protests.
Despite the promise made by the Minister of the Presidency, Demetrio Papadimitriu, the Government said yesterday repression of protests Bugle Ngäbe the adoption of amendments to the Mining Code.
Yesterday, hundreds of riot police broke the locks on the Interamerican Highway in Veraguas and Chiriqui, killing at least 12 indigenous persons wounded by shot, 14 arrested, and several people affected by tear gas.
At press time, the road remained closed at the height of San Felix, having returned to being controlled by indigenous groups, in which women stood out. In the capital were detained 16 activists, including a Spanish journalist Paco Gómez Nadal, who were taken to the police station of El Chorrillo.
In this regard, the Presidency said in a statement that Gomez, who later was transferred, along with other Spanish citizen to the Judicial Investigation Department, was arrested for “inciting violence” and that foreigners are prohibited from participation in political activities or protests, is threatened with expulsion. A source said that state migration has not been informed of the case.
The Bishop of Chiriqui, José Luis Lacunza (designated by the mediator Ngäbe) reported that the Government refuses to talk to the Indian Coordinator and President, Ricardo Martinelli, repeated that politicians and environmentalists are behind the protests.