Government Minister Dinoska Montalvo assured that she will give “all the battle that is necessary” for the bill that seeks to punish the use of hoods in violent protests to move forward. The proposal aims to add article 169-A to the Penal Code, which sets penalties of two to four years in prison for anyone who, during demonstrations, protests, or public gatherings, uses hoods, balaclavas, or masks with the intention of provoking or inciting acts of violence, intimidation, or hatred. Montalvo indicated that the project will be resubmitted before Tuesday to the National Assembly, after making corrections required by legislative regulations. The minister clarified that there will be no changes to the content of the proposal, and explained that the temporary withdrawal was made to prevent it from being rejected due to formal aspects and not the substance of the bill. Regarding the error in the initial presentation of the document to the National Assembly, Montalvo said that she fully assumes responsibility, although she insisted that she firmly believes in this legal initiative. The statements were given during a working tour in the province of West Panama.
