The university community reaffirms its support for students investigated by the Public Ministry. The students were participating in a demonstration in defense of the Panama Canal, considered a matter of national interest. The acting rector of the University of Panama, Dr. José Emilio Moreno, expressed his support for the freed students, emphasizing the importance of defending causes that impact all Panamanians.
The lawyer for the students, Arturo Trelles, hopes that the investigation will be fair and allow the university to present evidence demonstrating the innocence of those involved. The Public Ministry has requested access to the university from the acting rector to collect testimonies, videos, and other relevant information regarding the incident on the Transístmica Road. Trelles emphasized that the evidence presented so far only comes from the police, and that the university will fully cooperate to clarify what happened.
The five released students received precautionary measures during the judicial process, such as signing on specific days each month, a prohibition on leaving the country, and staying away from the alleged victim. The support of the university community for these young people has been strong, demonstrating a commitment to freedom of expression and the right to peacefully protest. The acting rector reaffirmed his support for the students, highlighting their critical and peaceful role in society.
