national

Suntracs says protests to go on

Carlos Lemos/la prensa

unease:Suntracs members and representatives of other groups marched against the government Thursday. Suntracs leaders said the protests will continue until their demands are met.984460

Leaders of the Sindicato Único Nacional de Trabajadores de la Construcción y Similares (Suntracs) said they will not suspend the protests that have lead to hundreds of arrests and violent clashes with police this week.

"We will continue to protest until our demands are met," said Saúl Méndez, the union's secretary.

Union members marched for two hours at the Parque Porras and the Plaza Catedral before handing the government a list of 10 demands.

Suntracs is seeking better working conditions, an increase in wages and the dismissal of Policía Nacional Director Rolando Mirones and Ministro de Gobierno Daniel Delgado.

The union holds those two men responsible for the shooting death of a Suntracs member by police in Colón Tuesday during protests. That shooting sparked violent clashes with police on Wednesday in several parts of the country, most notably Colón and Panama City.

Thursday, eight other groups, including the Asociación de Profesores de la República de Panamá and several student organizations, joined Suntracs members in their march.

Ministerio Público (MP) officials announced that they have filed murder charges against two police officers who were allegedly involved in Tuesday's shooting.

In response to the riots, the U.S. embassy issued a warning that American citizens should avoid areas where protests are taking place.

The embassy ordered employees to stay home on Wednesday and curtailed consular services.

"For personal security and safety reasons, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid Punta Pacifica/Paitilla neighborhoods of Panama City and the area around the University of Panama where the demonstrations will occur," the embassy said. "By avoiding these areas you minimize risk and avoid turning yourself into a potential target as an innocent bystander. U.S. citizens should also exercise additional caution at all times when moving around city."