Panama has introduced a public registry of sexual offenders, prompting an immediate response from women's organizations. The new measure, established by Law 501, aims to enhance the safety of women, children, and adolescents by allowing the public to know who these individuals are. Women's activists emphasize that this is a tool for prevention and justice, not an additional punishment. Mental health experts confirm that sexual paraphilias, especially those against minors, are clinical conditions that do not disappear after serving a sentence. Therefore, constant monitoring and public control are essential to prevent recidivism. The registry includes the offender's name, photo, crime, conviction date, and residential area, and the individual is required to report any change of address. Proponents of the law view this measure as a minimal line of defense in a country with high impunity, where revealing such information can save lives.
