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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“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]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a> were called to the scene following the incident. <\/p>