Journalist asks Supreme Court for protection (Panama)

[Judi Lynn]

Panamá, sábado 10 de julio de 2010
Journalist asks Supreme Court for protection

Paco Gómez Friday petitioned the Panama Supreme Court for protection against the government and denounced intimidation of the press by the current administration.

"We have presented today what is called a warning against lawlessness to the Supreme Court," Gómez said.

Gómez was detained this past weekend for four hours at Tocumen International Airport for alleged violations of the tax code. The order to detain the journalist was passed on to Immigration officials by the Department of Revenue.

The journalist, which has been very critical of the government of Ricardo Martinelli, said Wednesday that he obtained a certificate from the Directorate of Income which confirms that he does not have any outstanding tax debt.

"The government is attempting to revoke my residency permit," said Gomez, a temporary resident since 2005 and permanent resident since 2007.

More:
http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2010/07/10/hoy/english/news_4058.asp

[naaman fletcher]

1. Martinez won't last his term

Panama is reaching a boiling point

[naaman fletcher]

2. Meant martinelli of course. /nt

[Judi Lynn]

3. Opinion piece, imperfectly translated by google:

Paco Gómez Nadal
July 6, 2010
By: Héctor Endara Hill

http://www.estudio1panama.com.nyud.net:8090/wp-images/paconadal.jpg

What we have seen and heard about the illegal detention of journalist and environmentalist Paco Gómez Nadal is sufficient to assert and prove that we are on the threshold of a dictatorial government , with obvious fascist traits . Only then can you explain the persecution of individuals and communities around the complex , fundamental and admirable fact defend their rights.

The current government administration, in order to maintain and deepen its disastrous economic policies, have been given the task of adapting " to the letter " laws and regulations designed to prevent the destruction of the environment and ensure respect for and observance of human rights and citizens . This is the case of the newly imposed law or law of death chorizo where rules dictate that will result in the elimination of environmental impact studies to declare certain projects as works of social interest , it eliminates the right to strike of workers and discount compulsory union dues and whatever they say , in practice, is granted a " license to kill "to itself , and proud and arrogant actions of the police .

The painstaking search of "investment grade "so lauded by the government , private enterprise and the mass of "information "represents the implementation of economic policies intended to consolidate the mining , construction of more dams hydropower and the " conversion "of the country in a kind of free zone throughout the territory. A country where everything is sold and everything is negotiated , in which the values of political sovereignty , economic , cultural or food are entirely subdued and subordinated to the dictates of the market and its merchants.
In this entrepreneurial vision of Panamanian society , profit and easy money are the backbone of the system. Everything else, including individuals, communities and environment are factors or elements subject to the divine supreme end of business. This is the meaning and this is the business rationale as the Super 99 and the multiple "Moll" to breed like weeds in the country.

In this context, the action invaluable people committed to truth , solidarity with the poorest and with ecosystems , people who put no money in the beginning and end of life , people able to animate and excite with his example of integrity of life to other lives , are not appreciated by the system. The engine power and tramples pushes to carry out their wagons full of bad news for the national majority.

Trampling rights and violating laws, adapting them to their purposes , business and corruption , and walk the masters of power. pede How to stop a person by depriving them of their rights , freedom and documents without a clear explanation of why or why ? , how? ... Very simple, with large doses of abuse and arbitrariness. How easy it is to say, " orders from above . " Hait 99!

http://www.estudio1panama.com/?p=31767

~~~~~
Paco Gómez Nadal remains in legal limbo
06/Jul/2010

illegally retained journalist Paco Gómez Nadal

ALERT ! continues to persecute journalists and activists by the government of Ricardo Martinelli.

Paco Gómez Nadal 's partner , resident in the country, has been retained in the Tocumen airport , his passport has been confiscated and have not told any reason for such a procedure established by law and there is no authority to respond in his situation.

The guy is a known activist of social and environmental causes in our country , which shows clearly politically motivated abuse of power that currently takes place , and the undemocratic conduct that violates the rule of law and the human rights of the current Ricardo Martinelli government .

This is the second case of persecution to freedom of information in less than 15 days after the deprivation of freedom in maintaining the journalist Carlos Nunez , 71 , of Bury traded natural resource exploitation for the benefit of members current regime.

We appreciate the sharing of information and monitoring can be made for colleagues and the Panamanian people in general, rapidly enters a stage of totalitarianism.

http://www.gritomesoamerica.org/leer.php/289935