Event Summary
On 22 January 2026, the Environmental Advocacy Centre (CIAM) detected that its bank funds had been frozen. After consulting with Banco General, it was confirmed that the Fifth Civil Liquidation Court had ordered the preventive seizure of its accounts. At the same time, the same court executed the seizure of properties belonging to the organisation Adopta Bosques Panamá. CIAM and Adopta Bosque Panamá are local leaders in environmental protection.
These measures are in response to a lawsuit for damages filed by the promoters of a project in the province of Chiriquí, who accuse the NGOs of an alleged ‘misinformation campaign’ that has caused economic losses. It should be noted that, in August 2025, the company had already filed a criminal complaint for slander and libel against both organisations. Although the lawsuit was filed on 27 January and is still pending admission, as of 4 February the organisations have not been formally notified, which prevents them from exercising their constitutional right to defence and legal representation in the proceedings.
On 5 February 2026, civil society actors held a press conference against the orders and practices. These legal actions are having an impact on society, encouraging self-censorship among other social actors who, for fear of facing legal reprisals, may refrain from exercising their right to participate and speak out publicly. As a result, democratic practice is eroded and citizen control over decisions that affect the collective interest is weakened.