33 homicide charges but suspects still on police duty

Homicide charges have been file against 33 police officers in connection with the deaths of five teenagers in a Panama detention center, but none of those charged are under arrest and they are still on police duty.

Those charged who were on the scene of an incident at the juvenile detention center in Tocumen on January 9 that led to the deaths of five inmates. Two others are still in San Tomas hospital

Prosecutor Geomara de Jones has also filed charges of "cruelty and contempt" against prison Director Iris Cedeño and three guards.

Those charged with homicide include Luis Ortega and Ernesto Blake, who were in charge of the operation.

Because of controversial changes included in the "Law 30" reforms passed last year in the face of widespread public concern officers to remain free and on duty while being investigated for any job-related crime.
No officers were charged in the deaths of four demonstrators and the injury of hundreds in Bocas Del Toro, last year, when police fired buckshot into the crowd.
The National Council of Lawyers has announced that it will present a claim of unconstitutionality against the law.
The incident on January 9 involved a fire at the facility, started by a tear gas canister fired inside the prison by police. The police, who were trying to quell a disturbance in another part of the prison, refused to let firefighters into the facility to rescue the seven inmates in the cell were the fire had broken out. And videos shown on TV revelealed police standing by while the victims scremed for help. One officer was heard saying ”Die”
Five of the inmates died of burns. The two others are still recovering at Santo Tomás Hospital.