Panama: Anti-US protests in Panama City August 17

Event

Various protests coinciding with the state visit of US Vice President Mike Pence are set to take place in Panama City on Thursday, August 17. Pence is expected to take part in a ceremony at the Panama Canal, where major security measures are anticipated. Protestors are expected to gather at 10:00 (local time) on the central Avenida de los Mártires around the monument commemorating the “January 9 martyrs,” students who were killed in 1964 trying to plant a Panamanian flag in then-US-occupied territory along the canal. Demonstrators may march to the Puentes de las Américas bridge, which spans the Panama Canal.  

Context

The protests are being held in large part to denounce US President Donald Trump’s recent comments that the US would not rule out a military intervention in crisis-plagued Venezuela, a statement widely condemned by Latin American governments. The comment has raised concerns that the US could consider military intervention in other Latin American countries, potentially using the Panama Canal to transport troops.

Protests are relatively frequent in Panama City. Although most remain peaceful, Panamanian National Police may respond with riot control measures, especially in the event of roadblocks.

Advice

Individuals in Panama City and Panama more generally are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.