Panama Investigates Explosion at Journalist’s Home

An object thrown toward investigative journalist Rolando Rodríguez’s home caused an explosion at about 2:30 a.m. on November 14, according to his newspaper, La Prensa. The newspaper said Rodríguez’s wife was inside and escaped without injury, while Rodríguez was outside Panama City. The blast caused property damage.

The Attorney General’s Office said prosecutors in San Miguelito were investigating suspected arson, classified as a crime against collective security. The investigation could be widened if evidence points to other possible crimes. Prosecutors and other officials were at the scene carrying out inquiries to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

La Prensa said the incident occurred as Rodríguez was preparing a story involving former officials in President José Raúl Mulino’s administration and a government contractor. Rodríguez, a veteran investigative reporter and columnist, has worked on investigations into alleged corruption and irregularities in government, the judiciary and business.

Mulino condemned the violence and said police and prosecutors were investigating and gathering evidence. He said Panama would not accept such acts and expressed solidarity with Rodríguez. The Attorney General’s Office also rejected attacks on freedom of expression and the practice of journalism.

Jorge Molina, president of Corporación La Prensa, called the incident an act of terrorism and said it concerned the whole country. The National College of Journalists and Panama’s chamber of commerce condemned the attack; the journalists’ group called for a rigorous, transparent investigation.