Panamanian union leader seeks asylum at Bolivian Embassy

By Sinan Dogan and Alperen Aktas

BOGOTA, Colombia/ISTANBUL (AA) - The leader of Panama’s powerful construction union requested political asylum at the Bolivian Embassy on Wednesday as the federation continues to protest against the Panamanian government over several issues, including pension reform.

Saul Mendez, general secretary of the Single Union of Workers in the Construction and Related Industries (Suntracs), is under temporary protection while Bolivia’s National Refugee Council reviews his request.

Panamanian officials confirmed his presence at the embassy but said no arrest warrant has been issued.

The union claims the move is part of a broader attempt to silence organized labor.

President Jose Raul Mulino recently accused Mendez of seeking to destabilize the country.

Protests over pension reform and a US-Panama security agreement have drawn hundreds to the streets in recent months.