Public Services International (PSI) condemns and denounces that Marcelo Di Stefano, Secretary of Union Organizing of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA), a regional organization of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), was detained for more than seven hours at Tocumen airport and subsequently deported without any explanation or justification.

Di Stefano was arriving in Panama to participate in a tripartite mission of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and was deported despite having a formal invitation to participate. His detention and expulsion represent a frontal attack against this organization and the fundamental principles of social dialogue and tripartism.

We can only understand the totally unacceptable treatment of Marcelo Di Stefano as an escalation and internationalization of the anti-democratic practices implemented by the Panamanian government. This is a clear rejection of the basic principles of social dialogue and the right to freedom of association. PSI recognizes this internationalization of repression and will actively contribute to all international responses.

Marcelo di Stefano is a trade union leader of national, regional and international renown. He stands out as a university professor and was for a long time Secretary of the Argentine Federation of National University Workers (FATUN) and of the Confederation of University Workers of the Americas (CONTUA). He was also a member of the PSI Executive Committee and has had an outstanding participation in activities in defense of workers' rights before the ILO.

The Government of Panama must provide a full and public explanation, ensure compliance with its obligations under international law and put an end to all forms of intimidation and restriction of national and international trade union activity.