Agents of public forces in Panama They tried to disperse the demonstration with tear gas and suspected gunshots.

The march, which was largely peaceful, ended near the home of the country’s president, where protesters were attacked by police. large amounts of tear gashow could he be sure EFE.

Despite the protesters’ persistent attempts to avoid rioting, a heavy police contingent bordering the protest threw tear gas bombs that They filled the street with a cloud of gascausing a massive stampede.

The march drew thousands of anti-mining Panamanians after a so-called mining contract benefiting a Canadian mining company was unveiled.

“They sold our future“Thousands of young Panamanians wept this Wednesday as they gathered in the main streets of Panama City to demand the cancellation of a recently approved contract with a Canadian mining company, a protest that ended in violent clashes with police.

This Wednesday marked the third day of protests, which began last Monday following the approval on October 20 of the contract law, which is extended for 20 years. concession of Minera Panamá, a subsidiary of the Canadian company First Quantum Mineralswhich, since 2019, has been exporting copper from the Cobre Panama mine, the largest open-pit mine in Central America.

The march started from Morskoy Avenue, passing through the symbolic Calle 50 and the party headquarters. The first quantum mineralsthe Canadian mining company with which the controversial contract was approved.

Videos of demonstrations in several Panama cities were shared on social media. police repression disperse the social movement.

The same channel showed suspected security forces firing guns at a nearby location where protests were taking place.

Local media said authorities they used tear gas against the protesters who were driving along Sinta Costera.

Hundreds of protesters began a pitched battle with a hail of rocks and homemade bombs.

The executive branch protects it The new contract multiplies the state’s profits by 10 times. and guarantees environmental oversight, while activists and lawyers note that it preserves the flaws that led the previous one to be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2017, 8 years after a lawsuit was filed over it.

The mass demonstrations were marred by acts of vandalism that damaged public property, such as the destruction of the facade of one of the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy and Finance or graffiti on the walls of the Chchapa employers’ association building.

(according to information from EFE)