Driver Shoots Road-Blocking Climate Activists Dead (DISTURBING VIDEO): Abdiel Díaz and Ivan Rodriguez Identified as Victims

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Two environmental protesters were killed when an enraged motorist opened fire on them while they were blocking a freeway in Panama. The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared online, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about escalating social tension in the country.

The shooting took place on Tuesday afternoon on a section of the Pan-American Highway, located approximately 50 miles west of Panama City. The activists had set up barricades to demonstrate against a mining contract awarded to a Canadian company by the government. The contract has been a source of controversy, with critics arguing that the mining operations could harm the local environment.

In the footage of the incident, a 77-year-old US-Panama citizen can be seen confronting the protesters before pulling out a pistol and firing two shots. One of the victims immediately fell to the ground, while the other was seen clutching a shoulder wound. The second activist later succumbed to his injuries.

The victims have been identified as Abdiel Díaz, a teacher who died at the scene, and Ivan Rodriguez, who passed away shortly after being taken to the hospital. The suspect, Kenneth Franklin Darlington Salas, has been arrested by Panama’s National Police. Local media reports that Salas has a prior arrest on gun charges dating back to 2005.

The shooting has further fueled ongoing protests against the mining contract. Activists argue that the mining operations pose a threat to the local ecosystem and have expressed concerns about water scarcity and environmental damage. They claim that the government did not adequately consider opposition from Panamanian society when awarding the contract.

President Laurentino Cortizo has defended the mining contract, describing it as the right decision. He contends that the project will create jobs and generate substantial revenue for the country.

The incident in Panama follows other recent clashes between protesters and authorities around the world. In the United States, park rangers arrested climate activists participating in the Burning Man event, sparking a debate about the balance between freedom of expression and public safety.

As tensions continue to rise, it is crucial for authorities and protesters to find peaceful solutions and engage in constructive dialogue to address the concerns raised by the activists. The tragedy in Panama serves as a stark reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts through peaceful means and respecting the right to protest while ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.

November 09, 2023 at 11:14AM
RT.