On February 13, 2025, police clashed with students protesting against new governmental social security reforms at the University of Panama’s Octavio Méndez Pereira campus.

The incident took place amid nationwide demonstrations against the proposed social security reforms, which many fear will lead to reduced pensions and open the door to privatization of benefits. During the protest, students blocked the main road in front of the campus. Police fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse the students, and students threw stones at police. A video posted on X shows police launching tear gas through the university gates as students fled the smoke.

In response to the unrest, the university suspended academic and administrative activities for the rest of the day at the Octavio Méndez Pereira campus, as well as at the Schools of Business Administration, Education, and Public Administration..

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.prensa.com/sociedad/estudiantes-protestan-frente-a-la-universidad-de-panama-suspenden-clases-y-labores-administrativas/
https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/ahora-estudiantes-y-antimotines-se-enfrentan-la-universidad-panama-n6028662