This article shares more about Kenneth Darlington, the man who reportedly shot two climate activists to death for blocking the road during protest.
What did Kenneth Darlington do?
In a chilling incident, Kenneth Darlington, a 77-year-old lawyer and professor, fatally shot two environmental protesters blocking the Panama Highway. The victims, identified as Abdiel Diaz, a teacher and union activist, and Ivan Mendoza, were reportedly protesting a controversial mining contract that allowed Canada-based First Quantum Minerals to operate Panama’s largest pit copper mine for several years.
During the third week of the protest held on Pan-American Highway in Chame, 51 miles from the capital Panama City, Kenneth Darlington, who holds dual citizenship in the US and Panama, was reportedly driving along the road swarmed with protestors on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
One of the numerous videos that circulated online showed a frustrated Darlington walking from his car, directing protestors to move out of the way. Darlington then pulls out a gun and appears to be arguing with the protestors. Moments later, while standing in front of three men, the suspect opened fire, killing one of them on the spot. The second victim was reportedly taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.
Darlington, who was arrested at the scene, was expected to be sentenced to house arrest rather than jail due to his mature age, according to multiple reports.
Kenneth Darlington arrest in 2005
The chilling video of lawyer and professor Kenneth Darlington murdering two climate protesters who were blocking the Panama highway has gone viral, with millions of views.
The incident occurred as protests entered their third week following the ratification of a contentious mining contract allowing Canada-based First Quantum Minerals to operate Panama’s largest pit copper mine for an additional 20 years.
Protesters, who believed the contract would pose significant environmental risks, had shut down the Pan-American Highway in Chame, 51 miles from Panama City.
Following the incident, multiple reports suggested that Darlington, due to his age, could be sentenced to house arrest. The unverified reports have sparked outrage, especially given Darlington’s criminal history, which dates back to 2005.
Kenneth Darlington was arrested in 2005 after a raid on an apartment in Paitilla for possession of various assault weapons, including two M-1 rifles and an AK-47, according to NewsRoom Panama.
The 77-year-old, who was released on bail after claiming to have a collection of war weapons, was also allegedly linked to financier Marc Harris, who was convicted of money laundering in the United States.
Who is Kenneth Darlington?
Kenneth Darlington studied at Florida State University and Isae Universidad Panama, according to a Facebook profile that appeared to belong to the suspect, and he worked as a university teacher. Meanwhile, a social media user, Rob Brown, who works for the founder of the International Film Festival Panama, claimed the suspect ran a law firm in Panama called Mossack Darlington & Associates.
Meanwhile, Panama President Laurentino Cortizo expressed his condolences to the families of the two citizens killed in the violent incident in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
source www.ghbase.com
