Victory for the Panamanian people

The Panamanian centers belonging to the CLACSO network joyfully celebrate the people's victory and join in the celebratory demonstrations. Law 406 was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Justice, pressured by the popular movement and patriotic youth, after 39 days of insurrection and the deaths of three Panamanian heroes. The statement also calls for unity within the movement and urges continued struggle for the protection of natural resources and the construction of a society where the collective interest prevails over individual interests.

Unity is essential to remain vigilant and pressure other state bodies to comply with the court's ruling, ensuring that the closure of mining operations is carried out in a way that mitigates, as much as possible, the environmental disaster caused over the past 25 years. It is also crucial to secure financial compensation for the state from the transnational corporation First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

This victory serves as a wake-up call to the political class and powerful groups to respect democratic mechanisms of popular participation, as well as a denunciation of the corruption that involves all three branches of government and economic power. The courts are being asked to cease the political persecution of student, Indigenous, and teachers' leaders and to dismiss all legal proceedings against them.

Panama City, November 28, 2023