Panama media blockade story circles the world
The two day blockade of Panama’s La Prensa last week has drawn the attention of millions around the world via news agencies, print, radio, and TV media.
The event had already been widely condemned by local media, civil groups and political analysts.
The blockade was staged by Transcaribe Trading (TCT) but some commentators have suggested that it was a government inspired move after La Prensa published details of $400 million of lucrative contracts including $60 million with no bidding, obtained by the company, along with details of land acquisition for banana growing giving substantial profits to the company and minimal return to the people working the land.
The Public Ministry has turned down an investigation of the blockade and threats made by David Ochy against journalists at La Prensa
The New York Times took up the story along with La Nacion (Costa Rica), La Prensa (Nicaragua) and El Nacional (Venezuela).
The Xinhua news agency of China, DPA, Germany and EFE, Spain, iwith subscribers around the world carried stories alleging harassment and “bullying”. A statement issued by the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) , condemned the action.
The metropolitan archbishop, José Domingo Ulloa, said he hopes that what happened to La Prensa does not become a campaign that can spread.
The presiding judge of the Electoral Tribunal, Gerardo Solís said that the event shows the breakdown of institutions in Panama and constitutional lawyer Miguel Antonio Bernal said that it was impossible for the event to have taken place without the knowledge of the president.
The founder of La Prensa, I. Roberto Eisenmann, said the incident "was an orchestrated act of government and the President."
The blockade, intended to remove the media spotlight from the company has in fact intensified it with La Estrella on Sunday carrying the first parts of a series highlighting scandals in roadwork construction and referring to links between the brothers David and Daniel Ochy, the Minister of Public Works Fedrico Suarez and President Ricardo Martinelli.
