Panama: Scandal over sexual abuse of minors by public accommodation facilities

A scandal has come to light in the last few hours on Panama. At least 20 children and adolescents have been sexually abused and raped in reception centers minors which are financed by the State of the country.

Eight people have been charged in a case that has sparked outrage in the Central American country. “To date (yesterday, Tuesday, March 9) we have identified 20 victims and another 18 files are under investigation,” Attorney General Javier Caravaggio told a news conference.

“However, these numbers may still evolve, as the investigation is ongoing” and the prosecutors assigned to the case are still taking statements, he added, according to what APE-MPE reports.

The investigation began in August 2020, but accelerated from March 1 as the task force assigned to the judiciary was strengthened, the attorney general explained. Just earlier this month, charges were brought against eight suspects, five of whom have been remanded in custody. Their details have not been made public.

“We will continue the investigation until all those involved are held accountable for the crimes they allegedly committed.” Mr. Karavagio assured.

Loud resignations after the scandal

According to the first data obtained in the investigation, the minor victims were sexually abused and sexually abused while living in non-governmental shelters, but funded by the Panamanian government.

A subcommittee of the Panamanian parliament complained in its report that since 2017, dozens of cases of minor victims of sexual abuse, physical and verbal abuse, forced abortions and generally deplorable living conditions have been recorded in at least 14 such centers.

The scandal led to the resignation of Mr. Caravaggio’s predecessor in the Attorney General’s Office, but also to Myra Silvera, the director of the National Secretariat for Childhood, Adolescence and the Family (SENNIAF), which is in charge of the homes.

Almost daily lately, Protesters take to the streets in Panama to demand that those responsible be punished.

(File photo)

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