Under State of Emergency, Panama’s Bananera Zone Faces Internet Blackout Amid Escalating Protests

The recent turmoil in Panama’s Bocas del Toro province — the vital bananera region — reveals a troubling pattern of government heavy-handedness cloaked as a response to public unrest. Overnight, authorities imposed a state of emergency and effectively cut off telecommunications, including internet services, crippling communication for residents and protesters alike.Declared by President José Raúl Mulino's administration for five days, this measure suspends core constitutional rights: freedom of movement, assembly, expression, and protection against unlawful detentions. While authorities justify these actions by citing an alarming "escalation of violence," the reality demands closer scrutiny.Government Response or Political Suppression?Reports from official sources...