In a fiery speech, union leader Saul Mendes denounced what he considers a systematic manipulation of the Panamanian justice system to the detriment of organized workers, particularly the Sindicato Único Nacional de Trabajadores de la Construcción y Similares (Suntracs). Mendes maintains that there is a clear political persecution, manifested in the judicialization of social protest and the financial blockade of the union organization.
The social crisis in Panama has reached a boiling point with protests against the Social Security reform. Thousands of workers and citizens took to the streets to express their rejection of changes to the Caja del Seguro Social (CSS), denouncing that these modifications would severely affect the working class. However, what began as a peaceful protest quickly turned into a scene of brutal repression by the National Police, generating outrage and escalating tensions in the country.
According to Mendes, the judge in charge of the case has rejected all legal actions that would allow for a fair trial, reinforcing the perception that the judiciary is operating against workers and Suntracs in particular. The recent indictment of 83 construction workers, who could face up to 24 years in prison, is interpreted by the union as an attempt to demobilize and intimidate workers.
Mendes denounces that the Public Ministry has been instrumentalized to execute a legal offensive against Suntracs, demonstrating an intent to criminalize the labor struggle. "They will have to kill us all," he warns, emphasizing that the fight for labor rights and the defense of social security will continue despite the repression.
In addition to the repression against workers, the Mulino government has intensified its persecution of university students and social leaders. Ileana Corea, organizer of Juventudes Revolucionarias (@jrpanama_), has denounced that the National Police carried out simultaneous raids on seven homes as part of the so-called "Operation Ratón," aiming to profile and criminalize protesters.
“They are persecuting, harassing, and profiling our families. What we are experiencing today in Panama is the reinstatement of fear as state policy,” Corea stated. During the raids, police officers humiliated and abused mothers, forcing one to bathe in front of officers in an act of degradation and abuse of power.
Corea pointed out that this political persecution echoes the abuses of power seen in the 1980s when the dictatorship used repression as a control mechanism. The criminalization of students and social activists is a clear attempt by the government to suppress dissent.
A key element of this persecution is the financial blockade imposed on Suntracs. Mendes denounces that the National Bank has closed the union’s accounts, a measure that follows the previous closure of accounts at the Caja de Ahorros. This action is unprecedented in the country’s recent history, and according to Mendes, not even during the dictatorship did they dare to take such a drastic measure.
The closure of bank accounts jeopardizes the financing of the union’s activities and directly affects its members, as Suntracs is funded exclusively through contributions from its affiliates. The government’s decision to allow these banking actions reflects, according to Mendes, a deliberate strategy to weaken the union and reduce its influence in labor and political negotiations.
Mendes has denounced that, following the protests, the Public Ministry conducted an illegal raid many hours after the events to fabricate cases and maintain false accusations against protesters. According to the leader, this action is part of a twisted process led by Minister Mulino, who has instrumentalized the Panamanian justice system to persecute Suntracs and its members.
Additionally, cases of torture and mistreatment of detainees have been documented. Twenty people were beaten and handcuffed, and the judge of guarantees prevented them from being evaluated by forensic medicine. Among the 83 prosecuted individuals are construction and administrative workers who were threatened with sexual violence by National Police officers. Other detainees have reported being shot in the arms and legs even after being handcuffed and forced to kneel.
Given the severity of the situation, Suntracs has taken its case to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting social justice and labor rights worldwide. Founded in 1919, its mission is to establish international labor standards, foster opportunities for decent employment, improve social protection, and strengthen dialogue between governments, employers, and workers.
The ILO has supervisory mechanisms to ensure that member countries comply with their labor rights commitments. Suntracs has filed complaints with the organization to denounce fundamental rights violations in Panama, hoping to generate international pressure on the government to end repression and respect union rights.
The case of Suntracs reflects a large-scale conflict in Panama, where the use of judicial and financial power against unions endangers fundamental labor rights. The instrumentalization of the Public Ministry and police repression reveal a systematic attempt to silence resistance movements.
It is clear that the Panamanian people will not stand idly by. The fight for social security and justice continues, and social pressure will be key to stopping the policies of repression and state plundering. Mobilization in the streets and the use of social media to denounce these abuses have become essential tools in this battle for workers' rights and the future of the Panamanian nation.
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