A violent assault inside the office of a community judge in Las Tablas has sparked urgent safety concerns across Panama’s justice system. The attack occurred this week when a man entered the local office and physically assaulted the presiding judge and another court official. This incident has reopened a critical debate about security protocols in community justice offices, which frequently handle emotionally charged cases.
According to the affected judge’s testimony, the situation escalated rapidly after the individual entered her workspace. He initially asked if she was still the serving community judge, a question that did not immediately signal danger. The judge confirmed her role, noting the man seemed agitated but not overtly threatening. The calm atmosphere shattered moments later when the visitor launched a sudden, direct attack.
“I moved aside. The gentleman kept insisting, asking if I was still the peace judge, and I told him, ‘Yes, sir, I am the peace judge.’ He was a little upset, but nothing that worried me enough to give me a signal that I had to run,” the judge recounted. [Translated from Spanish]
The assailant stood up aggressively and threw a punch aimed at the judge’s head. She attempted to dodge the blow but was struck on her head and hand. The attack intensified, prompting another official from a different jurisdiction who was present in the office to intervene. That official sustained the most severe injuries during the struggle to subdue the aggressor.
The judge emphasized that her colleague’s presence was crucial. She stated his intervention likely prevented a far worse outcome. Authorities from the National Police of Panama were called to the scene following the incident.
Calls for Enhanced Security in Community Courts
In the aftermath, judicial employees and local leaders are demanding immediate action to bolster security. Their primary request is for a consistent police presence at these community offices. Judges in the community justice system handle a wide array of personal and neighborhood disputes, from family conflicts to petty crimes. These cases often involve high emotions, placing court staff at potential risk without adequate protective measures.
This violent event in Las Tablas is not an isolated worry. It highlights a systemic vulnerability faced by judicial personnel operating at the local level. Community judges serve as a vital first point of contact for the legal system, especially in rural areas. Ensuring their safety is now framed as essential for maintaining access to justice.
Officials confirmed the suspect is in custody and will be presented to the competent legal authorities. An active investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the assault. The case has drawn significant attention across Los Santos Province, where community judges are well-known figures.
The injured court officer received medical treatment for serious injuries. The judge involved is also recovering. Their experience has become a rallying point for colleagues nationwide who share similar security concerns in their daily work. The conversation has shifted from theoretical risk to demanding concrete, preventative solutions.
Panama’s judicial administration now faces mounting pressure to review and reform security policies. Implementing standardized safety protocols, including possible structural changes to court offices and dedicated security personnel, is seen as an urgent next step. The goal is to prevent any repetition of the alarming violence that disrupted the Las Tablas community court this week.