435 minors arrested for breaking curfew

PANAMA. A total of 432 minors have been detained by the National Police for breaking the curfew that was implemented on July 27 by all the provincial authorities.

The measure was ordered by the Ministry of Government and Justice as a way to curb juvenile delinquency and gangs fights on the streets.

A report of the National Police revealed that only last weekend 166 young people were arrested for breaking curfew, that starts at 9:00 p.m. and finishes at 6:00 a.m.

The majority of the detentions happened in the metropolitan area.

The minors who are not collected by the parents or guardians were taken to hostels run by the Social Development Ministry.

Parents would have to pay a $50 fine to free their children and because most of those arrested come from low income families, a high percentage of minors are stillin the hostels.

Police studies have found that a great number of minors, who belongs to gangs, are involved in violent crimes such robberies, thefts, murders and drug trafficking.