Panama on Trial in the Inter-American Human Rights Court

Among the cases to be tried next week in the Inter-American Human Rights Court is the Panamanian system’s alleged abuse of Jesus Tranquilino Velez Loor.

Velez Loor, an Ecuadorian national, claims to have undergone torture, forced isolation, and mistreatment at the hands of Panamanian police officers at two Panamanian detention centers without being given the opportunity to defend himself, without the benefit of any court of law, without being allowed to make a telephone call, and while being denied medical care.

The Panamanian State rejects his allegations.

Velez Loor was arrested November 11, 2002 for immigration status related issues and deported on September 10, 2003.

The Center for Justice and International Law, which acts as an advocate for victims in the Inter-American Court, said in a statement that this case falls “within a general context of discrimination and criminalization of immigration.”

The case will be heard August 25 and 26.  Also on trial during the August 23 to September 4 session are Paraguay, Mexico and Bolivia.