Clashes and arrests during protests at Plaza 5 de Mayo
This Wednesday afternoon, Plaza 5 de Mayo in Panama City became the center of intense clashes between protesters and the police. The day of protest, which began peacefully, ended with moments of great tension and disorder in this busy area of the capital.
During the incidents, groups of protesters used fireworks and other objects against security forces. For their part, crowd control units, known as riot police, responded with tear gas to try to disperse the people and restore order in the area.
As a result of these clashes, authorities reported the arrest of several people involved in the disturbances. The use of tear gas affected not only the protesters but also citizens who were near the site, generating a situation of momentary chaos.
Traffic around Plaza 5 de Mayo was suspended for several hours, causing major mobility problems in the city. Nearby businesses also had to close their doors for safety due to the violence of the clashes between both groups.
Finally, the situation calmed down at nightfall, although the police presence remained on site. These events occur in a context of growing social discontent, and authorities are expected to provide more details on the total number of detainees and possible material damage in the coming hours.