Panama has allowed 112 migrants deported by the U.S. to stay for at least 30 days with temporary humanitarian permits. Many are asylum seekers from Asia and the Middle East, who faced persecution in their home countries. Legal representatives call for a permanent solution to their plight while the government insists no rights violations occurred during their detention.
Panama has announced that it will permit more than 112 migrants deported by the United States to remain in the country for a minimum of 30 days. Security Minister Frank Ábrego made this announcement, stating that the migrants, many from Asia and the Middle East, will receive temporary humanitarian permits, potentially extendable up to 90 days. These individuals reportedly declined assistance from the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration regarding repatriation.
The migrants were among nearly 300 individuals deported to Panama as part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation effort, which sought cooperation from Latin American countries. Notably, this group includes asylum seekers escaping violence and persecution, with nine individuals from Afghanistan, twelve from China, twenty-four from Iran, and two from Russia included in the 112 deportees.
Many of these individuals have been residing in a makeshift camp near the challenging terrain of the Darien jungle. Their attorney, Ali Herischi, noted that his clients remain apprehensive about signing departure paperwork due to uncertainties surrounding the terms of their release. One individual, Artemis Ghasemzadeh, fled Iran after converting to Christianity and expressed fear for her safety upon return, stating, “We are in danger. We are waiting for (a) miracle.”
A group of lawyers representing these deportees welcomed the decision but insisted that these asylum seekers should not face repatriation after the 90-day period. Attorney Silvia Serna Roman stated that Panama’s commitment reflects a positive change in their treatment of the deportees, expressing concerns about the lack of solutions for clients unable to return home due to fears of persecution based on religion or sexual identity.
Initially housed in a hotel in Panama City, the migrants have since been moved to a remote camp, which has been described as harsh and lacking adequate medical resources and internet access. In contrast, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has claimed that no rights violations occurred during the deportation or detainment processes, robustly denying claims of mistreatment.
In summary, Panama has granted temporary reprieve to over 112 migrants deported from the U.S., allowing for humanitarian permits of up to 90 days. These individuals, coming from various countries, include those seeking asylum from persecution. While legal representatives highlight the need for a broader solution to facilitate their safety, the Panamanian government maintains that it is acting within human rights standards, disputing allegations of mistreatment.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
