Tear Gas and Arrests: Panama Teacher's Strike Turns Violent

Teachers' strike in Panama leads to clashes with police; nine arrested in La Chorrera. A protest by Panamanian teachers in La Chorrera escalated on June 2nd, 2025, when police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators who had blocked Avenida de Las Américas for over two hours. Nine teachers were subsequently arrested. The protest was part of an ongoing teachers' strike. "They just started throwing tear gas," said one teacher, "We were peacefully protesting, and they attacked us." The video footage shows police officers in riot gear confronting teachers, many of whom are holding Panamanian flags. The incident highlights the growing tensions surrounding the strike and the government's response. While the protest disrupted traffic, the teachers' demands regarding better working conditions and improved education remain at the heart of the issue. The arrests have further inflamed the situation, raising concerns about freedom of expression and the use of force against peaceful protesters. The ongoing dialogue between the government and the teachers' union is crucial to finding a resolution that addresses the teachers' concerns and avoids further escalation.