Squatters and their backers could face jail time

SQUATTERS in Panama  could spend up to three years in jail according to a new law signed by President Martinelli.

Law 44 establishes prison sentences of 1-3 years for the unauthorized occupation of buildings, land or constructions belonging to others and for those who promote it, up to six years.

A press release from the Presidency of Panama says

Law 44, which amends and adds articles to the Penal Code, was sanctioned by the President of the Republic, Ricardo Martinelli. The regulation increases penalties with imprisonment of one to three years or its equivalent in fines or weekend arrest, to those who, without authority, occupy all or part of a building, land or building belonging to others.

For those who promote, sponsor, fund, facilitate, collaborate or incite this type of crime, the punishment is three to six years in prison.
The rule also protects vulnerable areas prone to risk or natural phenomena, detailing that for those who usurp or illegally occupy these areas the penalty is increased by one third to a half.