Female protesters denounced being beaten under their clothes and receiving threats of sexual abuse.

On Tuesday, Panamanian police violently repressed a demonstration organized by the Single Union of Construction and Similar Workers of Panama (SUNTRACS) to protest against social security reforms.

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“Without any prior incident occurring, the police arrived and began brutally repressing our comrades,” SUNTRACS Secretary Saul Menendez stated.

The Panamanian workers attempted unsuccessfully to defend themselves. The police forces subdued them and arrested dozens of citizens. Other workers reported the use of tear gas and rubber bullets, while female protesters denounced being struck under their clothing and receiving threats of sexual abuse.

The workers have begun gathering evidence of these abuses and have shared them on social media as proof of police misconduct. SUNTRACS reported that the police arrested at least 300 workers. So far, there are no official figures on the matter.

In response to the violent arrests and abuses, SUNTRACS called for a massive march next Thursday, during which union leaders will also hold a general assembly to determine whether workers will begin an indefinite nationwide strike.

The Attorney General’s Office requested prison sentences for 83 workers, charging them with crimes against public services and collective security. Panamanians said they would not be intimidated and would continue protesting to demand the release of those detained and to reject the social security reforms.

On Thursday, teachers from will also hold a march in solidarity with SUNTRACS workers. They stated that they are closely monitoring the actions of President Jose Mulino, whom they accuse of yielding to the geopolitical interests of the United States.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: SUNTRACS – Resumen Latinoamericano

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