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Panama: More voices condemn state espionage network

Panama City, Sep 19 (Prensa Latina) The debate over using covert National Police agents within social and labor organizations drew further criticism in Panama following the allegations that grassroots leaders presented.

Journalist Sabrina Bacal questioned police behavior in her “Sabrina Sin Censura” column in La Prensa newspaper. She asked, “Who is the police targeting?” and noted that the sectors allegedly under surveillance include environmentalists, human rights defenders, teachers, and union leaders.

Bacal noted that the issue does not lie in covert agents as an investigative mechanism, but in the possible use to monitor individuals and organizations exercising their right to protest or voicing criticism to the Government.

Allegations from social organizations point to a surveillance structure that reportedly tracked union leaders, farmers, environmentalists, and indigenous figures, as well as their families, for months, even through the participation of agents in those groups’ meetings and activities.

The National Police admitted having used “covert agents” and rejected “infiltrators.” These operations are conducted within the legal framework to help maintain order and national security.

The official statement came after labor unions and social organizations filed complaints with National Prosecutor Luis Gomez, over alleged espionage, monitoring, and surveillance of their members.

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