An American lawyer, identified as Kenneth Darlington, 77, has been arrested in Panama after fatally shooting two environmental activists during a protest on the Pan-American Highway in Chame, about 50 miles west of Panama City.
The incident occurred when Darlington became stuck in a traffic jam caused by demonstrators protesting a government mining contract allowing a Canadian company to resume copper extraction for the next two decades.
Video footage captured the shocking incident, showing Darlington engaging in a heated exchange with the protesters before brandishing a firearm. He attempted to clear the roadblock, waving the gun menacingly. Tragically, he discharged the weapon, resulting in the death of Abdiel Díaz and Iván Mendoza, both dedicated individuals in their community.
Darlington, a dual American and Panamanian citizen, was promptly apprehended and appeared before a judge in La Espiga. He has been remanded in custody, and due to his age, there is speculation that he may face house arrest rather than imprisonment if convicted.
The protest, now in its third week, has caused substantial economic losses, with daily business estimates nearing $80 million. Additionally, schools across the country have remained closed for over a week due to the roadblocks.
Panama President Laurentino Cortizo condemned the violence, expressing his condolences to the victims' families and emphasizing that such acts have no place in society.
The Pan-American Highway, spanning nearly 19,000 miles, is renowned as the world's largest motorable route, stretching from Alaska to Argentina, with a gap in the Darién region.
By Salam Bustanji
