Indigenous king from Panama faces possible dethronement after conviction

Reynaldo Alexis Santana, the ruler of the indigenous Naso Tjër Di region in Panama, situated near the Costa Rican border, was recently sentenced to five years in prison for sexually assaulting a minor.

Subsequently, the local indigenous leadership is deliberating whether he should be dethroned.

The incident happened in the Naso region in 2016 when the victim was just 12 years old.

After the minor came forward, her mother lodged a complaint with the Bocas del Toro Prosecutor’s Office.

The victim, now 19, expressed her disappointment and fear since justice, in her view, was not adequately served.

Santana, who has been on the throne since 2011, was found guilty by a court.

Alongside his prison sentence, he is prohibited from public service duties. However, the court may allow him to serve his sentence via community service.

This decision is set for the 3rd of August.

The Council of the Naso Tjër Di region will meet on the following Monday to decide Santana’s fate.

The Panamanian Ombudsman’s Office issued a statement urging King Santana to step down from his throne to ensure the protection of the community’s children and adolescents.

The Naso people, one of Panama’s seven indigenous tribes, operate under a monarchical system.

Traditionally, the throne would pass from parents to children.

However, recent practices allow subjects to choose their monarch from eligible family members. They also possess the power to depose the ruler.

If Santana is indeed dethroned, Arquiteo Santana, the next in line, may assume the throne.

Despite Panama’s growth, the plight of its indigenous population, accounting for about 11% of the country’s total population, remains dire, with poverty affecting over 96% of the community.

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