(Scypre.com) – The individual responsible for fatally shooting two environmental protesters blocking a road in Panama has been identified as Kenneth Darlington, a 77-year-old retired American lawyer. Darlington appeared in court in La Espiga on Wednesday and was remanded in custody after a two-hour hearing. The Panamanian-born US citizen, captured on video and in photos shooting the protesters, has a prior conviction for illegal possession of a firearm.
The incident occurred on a section of the Pan-American Highway in the Chame district, where Darlington, stuck in traffic caused by the protesters, declared, “This ends here.” He engaged in a heated argument with the demonstrators, including the two victims, before fatally shooting them.
The victims, teachers participating in a three-week protest against the Panamanian government’s agreement with a Canadian mining firm, were blocking the highway to oppose the operation of Central America’s largest open-pit copper mine for another 20 years.
Darlington faces charges of murder and illegal possession of a gun, as reported by Eliécer Plicett, the victims’ lawyer. However, local media suggests that his age might influence whether he receives jail time. The protesters argue against the government’s contract with the Canadian firm, emphasizing the environmental impact of the mine located in a sensitive area.
Despite the incident causing public outrage and the deaths being condemned by President Laurentino Cortizo, there are concerns that Darlington might not face significant consequences due to his age. The clash is a part of larger protests in Panama against a new mining contract with First Quantum Minerals, causing substantial economic losses and disruptions.
The contract, signed on October 20, grants First Quantum a 20-year mining right, with an option to extend for another 20 years, in exchange for $375 million in annual revenue to Panama.
Protesters, including construction workers’ and teachers’ unions, continue their demonstrations, demanding the annulment of the contract. Darlington is scheduled to appear in court in Panama City on November 15.