Archive · 22 May 2025
Panamanian Union Leader Seeks Asylum at Bolivian Embassy
A leader of a construction union in Panama, named Saul Mendez, climbed the fence of the Bolivian embassy to ask for asylum.
This happened after another union leader was arrested and an arrest warrant was issued for Mendez.
The union, Suntracs, is in a fight with the government over things like pensions and a copper mine.
The government considers the union to be a criminal organization, while the union is fighting against government actions.
Police also searched the union's offices.
Bolivia will decide if they will grant asylum.
Panamanian union leader Saul Mendez sought asylum at the Bolivian embassy after a colleague's arrest.
Mendez's asylum request followed the arrest of another union leader, Jaime Caballero, on money laundering suspicions.
Prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Mendez and former union leader Genaro Lopez.
Police raided Suntracs offices, including its headquarters in Panama City.
The union, Suntracs, is in conflict with the government over issues including pension reform and a copper mine.
- Who
- Saul Mendez, a union leader; Jaime Caballero, another union leader; Jose Raul Mulino, Panama's President.
- What
- Saul Mendez, a Suntracs union leader, sought asylum at the Bolivian embassy after authorities issued an arrest warrant.
- When
- Wednesday morning.
- Where
- Panama City, Panama, at the Bolivian embassy.
- Why
- Saul Mendez sought asylum following the arrest of a colleague and an arrest warrant issued against him.
Suntracs' Position
Government's Position
Union vs. Government Stance
Suntracs' Position
The union is protesting social security reforms, the presence of U.S. troops, and the reopening of a copper mine.
Government's Position
The government sees the union as a 'mafia'.
- Union Involved
- Suntracs
- Leader Seeking Asylum
- Saul Mendez
- Embassy Sought
- Bolivian
- Reason for Asylum
- Arrest warrant issued
- Government
- Panamanian