There Were 65 Murders in Panama During January 2012
Panama's Security Minister Jose Raul Mulino admitted yesterday that the number of murders in January 2012 (65, according to official data) should not make anyone happy, because it is a considerable amount. However, he said when there are large drug seizures the number of murders also tends to increase. He added that the constant murders in January may be reduced in the coming months. Mulino made these reactions after the publication in "Mi Diario" of an article on the increase in the numbers of homicides in the country in the first month of 2012. "We should make a thorough analysis of the effort made by this newspaper, so that those who run the state will hear the clamor being made by the citizens for greater levels of safety and security on the streets," he added.
About these figures, Aida de Selles, the Director of the Institute of Criminology at the University of Panama, said it is necessary to establish a criminological policy involving all of the factions of society. She added that the numbers must be used in a scientific manner and cited the figures show the criminal flow towards the interior of the country. She also made reference to the sectors where social work is needed, such as anger management, values education, education, etc..
The records provided by the Integrated Office of National Crime Statistics (SIEC) reveal there were 18 murders in Panama Metro and another 17 in the district of San Miguelito, representing more than 50% of the bloodshed. Everyone knows that Sundays are the most violent, and so far no plan has been presented to the community to reduce deaths. In January, 20 homicides were committed on Sundays, 14 on Saturdays, 7 on Tuesdays, and 6 each on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. (Mi Diario)
