05 Sep 2018 | 12:42 AM UTC
Panama: Journalists to protest in Panama City September 5
Journalists to protest in Panama City September 5; heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions expected
Event
Journalists have planned a protest in Panama City on Wednesday, September 5, in defense of freedom of the press and to express support for a local journalist recently sued by a former government official. Participants are expected to gather at 12:00 (local time) at Parque Belisario Porras. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near the demonstration site.
Context
The protest comes in response to a civil lawsuit recently filed by the former head of the National Directorate of Traffic Operations (DNOT) Javier Fanuco against reporter María Guadalupe Castillero for a September 2017 interview in which Fanuco was denounced for alleged sexual harassment. Fanuco, who was subsequently removed from office, is suing Guadalupe Castillero along with the news agency Nex Canal 21.
Advice
Individuals in Panama City are advised to anticipate localized transportation disruptions surrounding Wednesday's protest and to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.
