Background on José Raúl Mulino and His Relevance
José Raúl Mulino is the current President of Panama, who has been facing ongoing protests since late April 2022. The unrest stems from a controversial pension reform proposed by his government.
Internet and Telephony Suspension in Bocas del Toro
In response to escalating civil unrest, President Mulino declared a state of emergency in the Bocas del Toro province on Friday. As part of this declaration, internet and mobile telephony services were temporarily suspended in the region until June 25th.
Services Exempt from Suspension
The National Authority for Public Services (Asep) clarified that essential services such as healthcare, commerce, and government entities would continue to have internet access.
Protests and Their Impact
Nearly two months of protests against the government have turned violent, resulting in one death, over a hundred arrests, and numerous injuries, including 13 police officers. The state of emergency temporarily suspends constitutional guarantees, including protection against home searches and communication privacy violations.
Security Incident in Changuinola
On the morning of Saturday, delinquents forced entry into a medical supplies depot in Changuinola, Bocas del Toro. This incident further fueled the government’s decision to suspend internet and telephony services.
US Embassy Warning to Citizens
Due to the ongoing civil disturbances, the US Embassy in Panama advised its citizens via social media to avoid traveling to Bocas del Toro, including Changuinola and the islands in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. The embassy also instructed its personnel to refrain from visiting the area until further notice.
Protest Origins and Evolution
The protests began on April 28th in opposition to the pension reform proposed by Mulino’s government. Initially led by banana workers, other groups joined the movement after their union reached an agreement with the government. These additional groups continue to demand the complete repeal of the pension law.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is José Raúl Mulino? He is the current President of Panama, facing ongoing protests since late April 2022 due to a controversial pension reform proposal.
- Why was internet and telephony suspended in Bocas del Toro? The Panamanian government suspended these services to curb escalating civil unrest, which included violent protests and security incidents.
- What is the pension reform controversy about? The proposed pension reform by President Mulino’s government has sparked widespread opposition, leading to months of protests across Panama.
- What actions has the US Embassy taken regarding the situation? The US Embassy in Panama has warned its citizens against traveling to Bocas del Toro due to the ongoing civil disturbances and advised its personnel to avoid the area.
