{"id":18807,"date":"2026-11-15T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-15T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=18807"},"modified":"2026-11-14T23:10:37","modified_gmt":"2026-11-15T04:10:37","slug":"attack-on-freedom-of-expression-panamanian-journalists-home-targeted-with-explosives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/crime-safety\/attack-on-freedom-of-expression-panamanian-journalists-home-targeted-with-explosives\/","title":{"rendered":"Attack on Freedom of Expression! Panamanian Journalist\u2019s Home Targeted With Explosives"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Panamanian journalist Rolando Rodr\u00edguez warned Saturday that a predawn fire attack on his home represents a direct threat to press freedom Panama<\/a><\/strong> and democratic values<\/a>, not just an assault on one reporter<\/a> or newspaper. Rodr\u00edguez, who works for the daily La Prensa<\/a>, spoke at a press conference in Panama City hours after the incident, framing the attack as an attempt to silence broader free expression<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The attack occurred during the early morning hours of Saturday, November 14, at Rodr\u00edguez’s residence. The Public Ministry has opened an investigation into the incident, which authorities believe involved arson and constitutes a crime against collective security. The Superior Prosecutor’s Office of San Miguelito is leading the inquiry to determine circumstances and identify those responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Public Ministry said the investigation focuses on establishing the facts and assigning legal responsibility.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Press Freedom Panama Under Direct Threat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rodr\u00edguez said the aggression changes the rules for everyone in Panama, not just journalists. He warned that any citizen exercising the right to free expression could now face similar attacks. The journalist drew parallels to regional threats, citing Mexico and Colombia as examples where violence against media professionals has escalated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This goes far beyond La Prensa. This is a terrorist act that attacks the country, the way we live, our democracy and freedom of expression<\/a>,” Rodr\u00edguez said [Translated from Spanish]. He added that the perpetrator “has tried to act as judge and executioner,” undermining Panamanian democratic institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#HCHInternacionales | \u00a1Condenable! En un claro atentado contra la prensa en Panam\u00e1, le han incendiado la vivienda la periodista Rolando Rodr\u00edguez, quien estaba investigando varios negocios vinculados con el expresidente venezolano Nicol\u00e1s Maduro. \n\n\ud83d\udcf9 Video cortes\u00eda: Cristian Crespo F.\n\n\u024d\u026a<\/p>— HCH Televisi\u00f3n Digital (@HCHTelevDigital) November 15, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n