PANAMA
Report to the Midyear Meeting
Quito, Ecuador
October 17 - 20, 2006

During this period, legal measures have continued to be used to harass journalists, with approximately 15 pending lawsuits for libel and slander, with three new lawsuits filed in the last 6 months.

On February 13-14, the IAPA organized a workshop and conference for attorneys and legislators on laws relating to freedom of the press in Panama during which they discussed the decriminalization of libel and slander, the new structure under the recently approved law of reply, the development of the law on access to information, and issues of protection of sources.

Although there are differing opinions, basic points were recommended on reforming crimes against honor and obtaining clarifications on the new law on reply to ensure it complies with human rights agreements signed by the country in the inter-American system. Despite improvements in access to public information, there remains a climate of secrecy in the government which has not been overcome and strengthening regulations in the law were recommended to force government employees to respect it.

On the legal front, the new law on reply continues being uncertain and vague without a proper forum to present cases, which does not help the exercise of a free press.

At the request of the Executive Branch, without much consultation with the public, a committee was created to review the Panamanian Penal Code. During the conference, the president of the National Assembly of Representatives mentioned several resolutions there are considering on crimes against honor, such as a system of penalties imposed by the Attorney General’s Office, but not decriminalization.

During this period, legal measures have continued to be used to harass journalists, with approximately 15 pending lawsuits for libel and slander, three of which have been filed in the last six months. Given the experience in the last few months, there is little hope that the defense of these journalists will be reviewed objectively.

One of the most notorious cases remains pending, where a report was proven true and presented in a balanced fashion, with ample space for those involved to respond and clarify, has given rise to a media outlet being threatened with a kidnapping and with a journalist’s salary being taken. The plaintiff is a judge on the Supreme Court who has used his position to influence the legal process, and thereby prevent due process.

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Copyright © 2003 Inter American Press Association. All rights reserved.

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58th IAPA General Assembly
JW Marriott Hotel & Stellaris Casino
Lima, Peru
October 26-29, 2002