Freedom of Speech in Panama is Under Threat

The draft law presented by Congressman Jamis Acosta, which toughens penalties for libel and slander, puts the eternal struggle for freedom of expression back on the table. While President José Raúl Mulino promised to sign the Declaration of Chapultepec, his fellow party member proposes modifying the Penal Code to increase penalties against those who criticize or expose public figures, which represents an attempt to silence criticism in the media and social networks.  Instead of moving towards the decriminalization of these crimes, as modern trends in consolidated democracies suggest, this draft law reinforces the restrictions against the press, increasing penalties almost double or triple in some cases.  This, in a context where the powerful seek to shield themselves from criticism, creates a climate in which independent journalism is in danger, suffocated by lawsuits and the threat of disproportionate sanctions. The contradiction between official speeches and legislative actions could not be more evident: freedom is promised, but laws are passed to restrict it.