The Second Prosecutor’s Office Against Organized Crime of Panama issued arrest warrants for Saúl Méndez, general secretary of the National Single Union of Construction and Related Workers (Suntracs), and Genaro López, a former leader of the organization. Both are being investigated for their alleged involvement in a case of aggravated fraud.
After learning of the court order, Méndez requested diplomatic protection and traveled to the Bolivian Embassy in Panama during the early hours of May 21, 2025, where he submitted a request for political asylum. In López’s case, authorities had not confirmed his whereabouts, although reports indicated that he may have been in the province of Chiriquí.
The judicial measure came amid a period of growing tension between the Panamanian government and Suntracs. In the preceding weeks, the union had staged a strike in the construction sector, along with demonstrations, protests, and road blockades in various parts of the country.
The dispute further escalated once the Panamanian Autonomous Cooperative Institute (Ipacoop) mandated the shutdown of the union-affiliated cooperative. This decision stemmed from accusations regarding financial mismanagement alongside potential money-laundering activities.
According to Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bolivia’s chargé d’affaires, Carlos Javier Suárez Cornejo, confirmed Méndez’s arrival at the diplomatic mission. The union leader entered the premises and subsequently formally submitted his request for political asylum.
The request was to be reviewed by Bolivia’s National Refugee Council, based in La Paz, the body responsible for determining whether protection should be granted. While the case was being evaluated, Méndez remained under temporary protection at the Bolivian diplomatic mission in Panama.
The aforementioned allegations are part of an ongoing inquiry and do not, by themselves, amount to a definitive verdict against the union officials.
Source: Mi Diario
