Crime Fear Increases in
Panama
The murder of a
businessman in the city
of Colon increases alarm
over the violence streak
involving juvenile
criminals in Panama
early in 2008.
Eduardo Cattan was shot
several times by unknown
persons yesterday at his
business place, shortly
before closing time.
Local reporters noted
the killers -an adult
and a minor-, were taped
on the store security
video cameras, so Police
is trying to identify
the murderers.
The murder of Cattan, a
Jewish fabric-dealer
Jewish with business
outside the Free Zone,
added fuel to a strong
domestic controversy
over the participation
of minors in serious
crimes like homicides,
assaults and
kidnappings.
Civil, judicial and
politic authorities have
met several times this
week to discuss the
issue and reach a
consensus between the
demand for a more severe
response made by people
affected and claims by
human-right groups.
Debate increased after
four minors allegedly
shot a body guard of
Panama City major Juan
Carlos Navarro.
Visibly upset for the
impunity juvenile
criminals are enjoying,
Navarro asked for more
severe sentences, while
others requested the
implementation of death
penalty. |
|
