Buckshot and tear gas dispersed indigenous demonstrators

Police used tear gas and buckshot on Monday to disperse Ngäbe indigenous people protesting in Chiriqui against changes in the mining code. 

At least 13 were injured and taken to hospital, and 19 were arrested on Monday February 7.
About 2,5000 Indians descended from the mountains to block the Trans Panama highway in San Felix and Viguier.

They were protesting against the draft law to reform the Code of Mineral Resources, and the possible exploitation of Cerro Colorado, one of the largest copper reserves in the Bugle Ngäbe region.
The detainees were released later in the day, after indigenous leaders reached an agreement to withdraw from the road that had been blocked for several hours.

Meanwhile in the comfort of the the National Assembly the second debate on the project continued while environmental groups, civil society and indigenous leaders shouted slogans against the proposal.
The debate they believe is merely a rubber stamp of approval for a law dear to the heart of President Ricardo Martinelli, who has publicly called for an opening of the doors to investment from foreign countries.

Local authorities in the region where the Indians gathered lamented the way the Indians were attacked while participating in a peaceful protest, and on Tuesday Ngäbe Bugle leaders were meeting to evaluate their next move.