Eight Panamanians arrested in Darien for raping 40 migrants, most of them Venezuelan

The Darien Regional Prosecutor’s Office has ordered the arrest of eight Panamanian citizens for allegedly sexually abusing a group of migrants.

read more: Learn about the new health regulations for traveling from Venezuela to Spain

Judicial institutions described the 8 accused as being charged with crimes against personal liberty, aggravated robbery, crimes against liberty, aggravated rape and unlawful intercourse.

Of the 40 migrants affected, 36 were from Venezuela and four from Panama. Additionally, a minor in the group was sexually abused by anti-social elements.

This unfortunate incident took place last August. As of this week, the Darien District Attorney’s Office has been unable to bring justice until the perpetrators are arrested.

The agency pointed out that the crimes took place on August 17, 2022 around 4 pm. They noted that the migrants were traveling towards Sector Cañon Membrilo, Quebrada Siqueiro, on the Río Sapgarti.

Vulnerability of migrants

The report notes that 40 migrants have gone missing. Then 10 people with guns intercepted them. The criminals restrained them and tied them with straps to prevent them from continuing their journey. Also, their possessions and possessions were confiscated.

However, the worst was yet to come. After carrying out the robbery, they sexually abused the Venezuelan minor and several other women who formed the group.