Sexual crimes against minors in Panama up 24%

An average of 18 crimes against freedom and sexual integrity are committed each day in Panama, according to statistical reports from the Public Ministry from January to July 2022.

The figures indicate that of a total of 3,758 registered this year, 40% of these were committed against minors, among which crimes such as pimping, child pornography, and corruption of minors

The report also details that, in general terms, an increase of 11% is reported between 2021 and 2022 in this type of crime; however, when the minor population is specifically evaluated, the increase is 24%.

in July, five people were taken to court for their alleged link to the crime of child pornography, after a joint operation by the Public Ministry and the National Police part of It was an international operation called “Light in childhood”, which was developed simultaneously in the provinces of Panama, Chiriquí and West Panama,

The operation was directed from Brazil and, in addition to Panama, it was carried out simultaneously in Argentina, Costa Rica, the United States, Ecuador, and Paraguay to combat crimes of sexual abuse and exploitation against children and adolescents, committed through the Internet.

The areas or provinces where cases have increased the most are Herrera, with 47%; San Miguelito, with 45%; Veraguas, with 34%, and Coclé, with 25%.

Entities such as the Ombudsman’s Office have called for the establishment of a prevention and protection plan for victims of sexual crimes.

According to that entity, they share the cry of a society that asks for justice and protection for its children, women, and other people who have been victims of sexual crimes. “These abhorrent  crimes against which the State’s response must be effective, especially in cases in which a victim is a person in conditions of vulnerability.”