The President of the Republic of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, stated that judicial garantism must be aimed at protecting victims and not at those who commit serious crimes, referring to recent acts of violence that have taken the lives of innocent citizens.
During his speech, the head of state expressed his pain and indignation over the death of a two-year-old girl in La Chorrera, as well as over other cases where people have lost their lives as a result of criminal actions.
He pointed out that many of these crimes are directly or indirectly linked to drug trafficking, settling of scores, and gang violence, phenomena that continue to have a high impact on the country's security.
The president also mentioned situations of social intolerance, including domestic violence, as part of the environment of violence affecting Panamanian society.
He indicated that the state's security forces maintain a frontal fight against organized crime and that numerous apprehensions have been carried out this year as a result of these operations.
However, he warned that these efforts lose effectiveness when apprehended individuals are released without consequences, which is why he reiterated the need for a stricter application of the laws and a greater commitment from the justice system to Panamanian society.
