"All of us are now exposed": the warning from the Panamanian journalist whose home came under attack

Rolando Rodríguez, associate managing editor of La Prensa, and Jorge Molina, president of Corporación La Prensa (Corprensa), held a press conference to speak out about the attack that occurred in the early hours of November 14. Video captureThe Attorney General's Office of Panama opened an investigation for the crime of arson following the attack on the residence of Rolando Rodríguez, associate managing editor of the newspaper La Prensa and investigative journalist. The Superior Prosecutor's Office of San Miguelito took over the investigation into a crime against collective security, without ruling out that the proceedings may identify other criminal conduct related to the aggression. Superior prosecutors and officials from the Public Ministry traveled to the home, located in Brisas del Golf, to gather evidence, clarify the circumstances of the attack, and determine the corresponding responsibilities. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino strongly condemned the aggression and stated that the National Police and the Public Ministry are working to clarify the facts and deliver the evidence to the justice system. "Panama does not accept this type of act under any circumstances," said the president, who contacted Jorge Molina, president of Corporación La Prensa (Corprensa), to express his solidarity over what happened. The residence of journalist Rolando Rodríguez was the target of an attack in the early hours of November 14. Video captureThe National Journalism Council (CNP), the Journalists' Forum, the Panamanian Broadcasting Association, and the Association of Journalists of Chiriquí strongly condemned the attack and demanded an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation. The organizations warned that Panama is not accustomed to explosive attacks against journalists' homes and described what happened as an aggression of unprecedented magnitude, which threatens the country's fundamental freedoms. The guilds highlighted that the attack occurred one day after the commemoration of Journalists' Day and demanded immediate protection for Rodríguez and his family, as well as the identification of all those responsible. The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and the international association EditoRed also condemned the aggression, demanded clarification of the facts, and requested guarantees to protect the free practice of journalism. The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) demanded a forceful response from the State and recalled that democratic freedoms were won by generations that faced fear and arbitrariness. President José Raúl Mulino condemned the attack and expressed his solidarity with the journalist and the La Prensa team. Taken from XAurelio Barría Pino, president of the business guild, warned that when silence is sought to be imposed through violence, what is at risk is not just one voice, but the freedom of an entire nation. The Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE), presided over by Alberto López Tom, demanded an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation, as well as protection measures for Rodríguez and his family. The business guild warned of the need to prevent an escalation of violence against journalism, whose work makes it possible to oversee the use of state resources and demand accountability. During a press conference held this Saturday, Jorge Molina described the aggression as an act of terrorism and stated that the newspaper will continue carrying out its informational work and its journalistic investigations. "Whoever is uncomfortable with the Press should go to the Public Ministry," said Molina, who rejected the idea that journalism could become a high-risk activity and asked that these aggressions not be normalized. Two vehicles parked in the garage of the home were set on fire after the explosion. Video captureThe president of Corprensa revealed that he received a call from Mulino at approximately seven in the morning and later from the attorney general of the nation, who guaranteed the rigor of the investigations. For his part, Rodríguez thanked the expressions of solidarity from journalistic, business, and political sectors, including from people who had previously been the subject of his reports, and warned about the implications of the attack. "This changes the rules of the game in Panama, because now we are all exposed," said the journalist, warning that the aggression opens a wide and dangerous door for those who express opposing opinions. Rodríguez stated that he has no suspicions about the possible perpetrators and explained that he had not previously received threats against his physical integrity, although he had been subjected to surveillance and warnings about lawsuits. The journalist confirmed that he is working on an investigation whose publication is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 16, related to the Electric Transmission Company (Etesa) and a state contractor. Rolando Rodríguez confirmed that he is working on an investigation related to the Electric Transmission Company and a state contractor. Taken from La PrensaHowever, he clarified that it would be premature to link the attack to that report or to any of his previous investigations, and noted that it is up to the Public Ministry to clarify the facts and establish the motive. Rodríguez also revealed that some neighbors observed suspicious movements before the attack and thanked the Public Ministry for the offer of protection, considering it a priority to guarantee the safety of his family. According to the journalist, the explosion occurred at approximately 2:20 in the morning and caused flames up to two meters high, which left two vehicles completely unusable and damaged the roof of the house. His wife woke up from the noise of the explosion and the smell coming from the burning cars, but managed to escape the residence unharmed, while Rodríguez was out of the city. The journalist urged that Panama avoid reproducing scenarios of violence against journalists recorded in countries such as Colombia and Mexico, and warned that these events also compromise the security and confidence of investors.