security

Group demands repeal of reforms

A letter has been sent to the Asamblea asking it to repeal the recently approved security reforms.

The Asamblea returns to session for the first today since the reforms were enacted.

Carlos Lemos/LA PRENSA

opposed: A civic organization has written to the Asamblea Nacional demanding it repeal changes made to the nation’s security agencies.1082799

The Comisión Nacional Pro Valores Cívicos y Morales yesterday asked the Asamblea Nacional to dismiss the reforms to public safety recently approved by special decree.

A letter from the commission, which represents six civic organizations, was sent to the media yesterday.

The Asamblea returns from a recess today, and will meet for the first time since the reforms were enacted by President Martín Torrijos,

“We have concerns about the legal changes that were recently enacted,” the letter stated. “We are departing from an historic commitment to public security based on democratic values and handled by civilian authorities.”

The letter asks that the reforms be “dismissed” by the Asamblea and that any future security reforms be debated by the legislature before they are enacted.

The Asamblea will begin debating several articles that were removed from the security reforms because they conflict with the country's Constitution.

This includes perhaps the most controversial of all the proposed security reforms, the right for the country's newly-created security agency to intercept private communications without a court order.

Critics say that the creation of the security agency and the powers that Torrijos wants it to possess are reminiscent of the infamous G-2 intelligence service operating under Manuel Noriega's military regime, which was responsible for keeping tabs on dissidents critical of the dictatorship.

The government has defended the reforms as being necessary to combat the country’s growing crime problem. Panama has experienced an increase in violent crimes.