Panama a maelstrom of corruption scandals: Citizens’ Assembly
Panama’s Citizens' Assembly, warned on Saturday October 22 of influence-peddling and the concentration of power taking place in the country.
The body comprising at least 30 groups, including unions, trade associations, environmental organizations and community activists, also warned of continuing threats to the media and journalists.
In a prepared statement Assembly said that "the country is plunged into a maelstrom of corruption scandals," none of which will be seriously investigated.
The situation, it said, calls into question the roles of the current Attorney General's [Joseph Ayú Prado], as well as the Comptroller General of the Republic.
The statement, issued by the third general assdembly, is supported by the Panamanian Association of Constitutional Law, the Citizens Alliance for Justice, the Public Awareness Association, the New Men and Women Association of Panama and the National Workers Central Panama, among others.
It also addresses issues such as: security, Food Safety and cost of living, and violations of the Constitution.
The paper questioned the public postures of deputies, mayors and township representatives, who have moved under the awning of the Matinelli party, Democratic Change, for fear of being deprived of public funds for the execution of projects in their communities.
Turning to freedom of expression, the Assembly considered that "the purchase of media" close to the Government is "an inescapable message that the country moves towards establishing a civilian dictatorship."
Partners in Assembly Citizens denounced "the violence to life and health of citizens, insecurity, and otal disrespect and violence and the constant harassment and intimidation of members of civil society organizations, which has characterized this administration since its inception."
The assembly reiterated that carried out ??all demonstrations and protests in a civil and peaceful manner, without using logos and banners of political parties, associations or unions.
