Indigenous protests continue in Chiriqui and Panama

As government and indigenous leaders continue their discussions inside the National Assembly demonstrators in Panama city and in Chiriqui continue to put pressure on the government.

Indigenous , people, academics and trade unionists gathered outside the National Assembly to protest against mining and hydroelectric  development.

Protesters rattled the doors of the main entrance of Assembly and call for the cessation of mining and hydropower in the country.  The demonstrators, who so far have not attempted to enter the building, shouted slogans against the government of President Ricardo Martinelli. 

Ngäbe-Bugle   also  closed  a section of the Interamerican Highway at the intersection of San Felix and Las Lajas. . Before closing the road the conch shell was blown a traditional rite that has kept during the weeks of protest,. It is estimated that at least 100 Ngabe Bugle protestors were on the road led by local chief Francisco Miranda. 

Miranda said that the closure is a measure of pressure to speed up the dialogue in the the legislature.

In the Vigui sector in Veraguas, indigenous people kept a vigil but did not close the international highway. 
The meetings at the assembly were adjourned at one time so the indigenous negotiators could investigate the treatment given to protestors wounded by police.

At days end, the meetings were adjourned until Tuesday, February 28.