Panamanian Security Minister Announces Arrest of Banana Union Leader
Panamanian police repress protests in Bocas del Toro, June 14, 2025. X/ @IndyEspanol
June 16, 2025 Hour: 8:47 am
The charges against Francisco Smith stem from road blockades that cut off much of Bocas del Toro.
On Sunday, Panamanian Security Minister Frank Abrego confirmed that Francisco Smith, leader of the Agricultural Banana Industry Workers and Related Companies Union (SITRAIBANA), was arrested and charged with the crime of “apologia” (advocacy of criminal acts).
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Joseph Navas, the prosecutor for Bocas del Toro province, ordered his arrest. Smith is under investigation for the “alleged commission of a crime against the administration of justice, specifically apologia of a crime.” He will be transferred to Changuinola, the capital of Bocas del Toro, for a court hearing.
Weeks earlier, lawyer and journalist Senen Briceño filed a criminal complaint against Smith for apologia of a crime, as well as crimes against collective security and transportation. The charges stem from road blockades that cut off much of Bocas del Toro, prompting Chiquita Panama—the province’s largest employer—to suspend operations and lay off more than 6,500 farmworkers and administrative staff.
Smith’s arrest came after an agreement was signed with the parliamentary leadership to lift all blockades in Bocas del Toro. However, the deal was not honored because Panamanian teachers rejected it.
The text reads, “Road closure at Finca 11 by banana workers after the arrest of Francisco Smith.”
The agreement was necessary for President Jose Raul Mulino to submit a bill to Congress reinstating a special social security regime for the banana sector. Union leaders argued the previous system was undermined by reforms to the Social Security Fund (CSS) under the new Law 462.
Over the weekend, 28 people were arrested in Bocas del Toro during operations to clear remaining protest blockades. Most were detained in the town of Almirante after attempting to set fire to a local police station, Abrego said, and linked those arrested to “certain criminal groups” in the area. Of those detained, 24 were handed over to prosecutors, while four faced peace judges.
Abrego said 1,300 police officers are deployed in Bocas del Toro, working to clear roads still obstructed by the remains of 75 felled trees. Full clearance is expected to take up to four days.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE