How a #Copper #Mine Prompted Mass #Protests in #Panama

Source: https://www.democracynow.org/2023/10/27/headlines/major_protests_in_panama_take_aim_at_canadian_copper_mine

In Panama, nationwide Indigenous-led protests and blockades intensified this week, demanding the government reverse its approval of a 20-year contract for a foreign-owned open-pit copper mine. #Police fired tear gas at demonstrators, who say the mine will poison fresh water sources. They also cited corruption allegations against lawmakers. Dozens have been arrested. Opponents say the new contract for the Cobre Panamá mine was fast-tracked with little public input or transparency. The mine is the largest in Central America. It’s owned by Canada’s First Quantum Minerals.

Long story short: Who has the power in a #democracy? The people who want to protect nature and the country or the president who is selling the copper to fill his own pockets?

#protest #economy #environment #nature #corruption #humanRights #justice #news #crime