Street protests reminiscent of previous diplomatic spats have erupted as political backlash grows in Panama.
Former Panama President and Candidate Lose U.S. Visas for Criticism of Trump Deals
Former Panama President and Candidate Lose U.S. Visas for Criticism of Trump Deals
The U.S. revokes visas of former Panamanian leaders amid political tensions regarding agreements with Trump's administration.
The U.S. State Department has taken the controversial step of revoking the travel visas of two prominent Panamanian politicians who openly criticized recent deals between their nation and the Trump administration. This decision has ignited concerns about political repression and the silencing of dissent in Panama.
Former president Martín Torrijos, who held office from 2004 to 2009, held a press conference where he disclosed that the State Department notified him of his visa cancellation. Alongside him, Ricardo Lombana, a lawyer and presidential candidate who secured second place in the latest elections, reported the same fate via email. "This is not simply a personal issue for me, but a warning to all Panamanians against voicing dissent regarding government dealings with the U.S.," Torrijos stated, emphasizing the broader implications for free expression in his country.
The revocations emerge on the heels of a steady deterioration in relations between Panama and President Trump. From his first days in office, Trump has pushed for the U.S. to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, a contentious subject dating back decades. Current Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has faced fierce criticism for alleged concessions made to the Trump administration, including plans to accept deported migrants and agreements permitting a larger U.S. military presence at former American bases in Panama.
Moreover, the United States claims President Mulino has agreed to eliminate transit fees for American warships, a claim he has publicly denied. These escalating tensions have fostered dissent within Panama, marking a significant point of contention in U.S.-Panama relations.
Former president Martín Torrijos, who held office from 2004 to 2009, held a press conference where he disclosed that the State Department notified him of his visa cancellation. Alongside him, Ricardo Lombana, a lawyer and presidential candidate who secured second place in the latest elections, reported the same fate via email. "This is not simply a personal issue for me, but a warning to all Panamanians against voicing dissent regarding government dealings with the U.S.," Torrijos stated, emphasizing the broader implications for free expression in his country.
The revocations emerge on the heels of a steady deterioration in relations between Panama and President Trump. From his first days in office, Trump has pushed for the U.S. to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, a contentious subject dating back decades. Current Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has faced fierce criticism for alleged concessions made to the Trump administration, including plans to accept deported migrants and agreements permitting a larger U.S. military presence at former American bases in Panama.
Moreover, the United States claims President Mulino has agreed to eliminate transit fees for American warships, a claim he has publicly denied. These escalating tensions have fostered dissent within Panama, marking a significant point of contention in U.S.-Panama relations.
