Panama Provides Temporary Relief for 112 Migrants Deported by the U.S.

Panama has granted a temporary reprieve to 112 migrants deported from the U.S., allowing them to stay for at least 30 days due to fears of persecution in their home countries. The migrants, primarily from Asia and the Middle East, can apply for a 90-day extension. Legal representatives have welcomed the decision but urge that they should not be repatriated thereafter.

Panama has announced a temporary reprieve for over a hundred undocumented immigrants recently deported by the United States. Security Minister Frank Ábrego confirmed that these individuals will be allowed to remain in Panama for at least 30 days, with the possibility of extending their stay up to 90 days. Most of the migrants, from various Asian and Middle Eastern countries, reportedly declined assistance for repatriation from the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration.

The group garnered considerable attention as it includes asylum seekers escaping violence and persecution in their home countries. The current assembly of 112 deportees features individuals from Afghanistan, China, Iran, and Russia. A significant number of these migrants have been detained in a makeshift camp situated near the infamously challenging Darien jungle.

Attorney Ali Herischi, representing several Iranian asylum seekers, indicated that the deportees are hesitant to complete the paperwork for departure due to uncertainties regarding their release terms. One represented individual, Artemis Ghasemzadeh, fled Iran fearing persecution for converting to Christianity. She expressed her concerns about returning home, stating, “We are in danger,” and shared feelings of waiting for a miracle.

A legal team advocating for these deportees applauded the decision made by the Panamanian government. They emphasized, however, that it is crucial asylum seekers are not forced to return after the 90-day period. Attorney Silvia Serna Roman noted, “Today, in the context of our pending lawsuit, the Panamanian government has changed course.”

Furthermore, the group consists of minors and individuals at risk due to their religion or gender identity, as highlighted in the legal representation’s statement. Initially held in a hotel in Panama City, some deportees were eventually transferred to a remote camp described as tough and lacking basic amenities.

President José Raúl Mulino has repeatedly rejected allegations of human rights violations linked to the deportations. Mulino asserted, “These organizations are respectful of human rights. It’s false and I deny that we are mistreating them.”

In summary, Panama has provisionally permitted over a hundred deported migrants from the United States to remain in the country for 30 days, with the potential for an additional 60 days. This decision has been met with mixed reactions from legal representatives, who are advocating for the protection of these asylum seekers. As uncertainties persist about the future of these individuals, concerns regarding their safety and the conditions in which they are held continue to be raised.

Original Source: www.cnn.com