Panama's National Assembly Approves Minister's Summons Over Shelter Abuse Allegations

The National Assembly approved on Thursday to summon the Minister of Social Development, Beatriz Carles, to answer a questionnaire of 42 questions related to abuse allegations in shelters. The Assembly stated that this is an opportunity to send a clear message to the country that no discourse is valid when the protection of children is at stake. Deputy Camacho, for his part, indicated that in response to the abuse allegations in shelters, the board of directors of the National Secretariat for Childhood, Adolescence and Family (Senniaf) is conducting a specialized technical inspection at the Comprehensive Care Center (CAI) in Tocumen. Therefore, he believed that once the results are in, Minister Carles should be summoned. It should be recalled that last week, Deputy Brenes filed a complaint with the Attorney General's Office against the director of Senniaf, Ana Fábrega, for the alleged crimes of sexual abuse, mistreatment of a minor, and failure to perform public duties, supposedly committed at the Comprehensive Care Center in Tocumen. The proposal was approved with 34 votes in favor, one vote against from Deputy Luis Eduardo Camacho of the 'Realizando Metas' party, and one abstention from independent Deputy Miguel Chen. During the presentation of the initiative, the proponent, Deputy Alexandra Brenes, stated that oversight is not an attack and summoning is not a condemnation, but that when it comes to protecting children, accountability is necessary. In her opinion, it was necessary to wait to summon Carles, however, she said that 'the eagerness to steal cameras' is more important than knowing the truth of the facts.