Demonstrations turn violent as riot police fire tear gas

Peaceful demonstrations  in Chiriqui and Veraguas turned violent as riot police moved in on indigenous protesters on Saturday, February 26.

Protesters and police clashed as demonstrations continued against recently-approved mining reforms.

In Veraguas the trouble began at 4:30 p.m. when the riot police arrived at the bridge over the Viguí River to disband protesters, Until that time, the protest was peaceful and the demonstrators had announced they would clear the highway at 6 p.m., as they had done on previous days.

The police, fired tear gas at the demonstrators, who responded by throwing stones. {jathumbnail off}

The fighting lasted for more than two hours, with multiple injuries and damaged vehicles on the Pan-American Highway.