Panama Mayor Mayer Mizrachi denounces treatment in Colombia

Panamanian Mayor Mayer Mizrachi has denounced the treatment he received upon arriving at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia, describing the experience as “traumatic.” Mizrachi, who traveled to Colombia to attend an Inter-American Development Bank forum, stated in a social media video that authorities placed him in the same room where he was held in handcuffs a decade ago.

Ten years ago, Mizrachi was detained in Colombia by Interpol agents and faced a judicial process related to alleged irregularities in state contracts. Following several months in a Colombian prison, he was deported to Panama in 2016. The Mayor expressed that the recent encounter reopened emotional wounds and criticized the immigration system, stating, “the system is broken.”

Mizrachi noted that while he does not seek special treatment due to his political office, he questioned the difficulties faced by individuals with judicial histories when attempting to travel or reintegrate into society. He emphasized his efforts to rebuild his reputation and name following his previous legal challenges.