77-Year-Old Man Kills Two Climate Activists For Blocking Traffic

Berfin Ceren Meray
Onedio Member
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In a shocking incident in Panama, a 77-year-old man, Kenneth Darlington, responded violently to climate activists blocking traffic. The distressing event unfolded as Darlington, an American lawyer, declared an abrupt end to the protest by fatally shooting two activists. This tragic episode occurred against the backdrop of ongoing demonstrations protesting a mining agreement between the Panama government and the Canadian-based company First Quantum Minerals. The incident has not only claimed lives but has also reignited discussions about the environmental and societal consequences of such agreements.

In the Central American country of Panama, armed attacks were carried out against environmental activists protesting a mining operation agreement.

In the city of Chame, along the Pan-American Highway, 77-year-old American lawyer Kenneth Darlington grew agitated by the placement of car tires as a barricade. Exiting his vehicle, Darlington removed and tossed aside the tires, declaring, "This protest ends today." He then brandished a weapon from his pocket.

Responding to activists' provocations of "Are you going to kill someone?" Darlington chillingly replied, "Do you want to be the first?" before shooting two activists, Abdiel Diaz and Ivan Rodriguez. Diaz lost his life at the scene, while Rodriguez succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

Arrested by the police at the scene, Darlington now faces charges of murder and illegal possession of a firearm.

Protests against the Panama government's agreement with the Canadian-based company First Quantum Minerals to operate a copper mine for at least another 20 years have been ongoing since October 20.

Activists argue that the agreement not only causes financial losses to the state but also inflicts severe environmental damage.