Panama toughens penalties for Sexual Crimes

On June 24, 2025, Law 474 was enacted, modifying and adding articles to both the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code of Panama. The objective is to toughen penalties for sexual crimes and to strengthen procedural guarantees for victims, especially minors and persons with disabilities.

The key reforms include:

• Increased penalties for all crimes against sexual freedom and integrity, such as rape, lewd acts, and sexual offenses committed against vulnerable victims (children, adolescents, persons with disabilities, or in contexts of trust or authority).
• Amendment to Article 220 of the Criminal Procedure Code: The amendment stipulates, that in plea agreements involving sexual crimes against minors or persons with disabilities, it is now mandatory to consider the opinion of the victim before validating the agreement.
• New Article 279-A added to the Code of Criminal Procedure:

The new article allows the possibility for the judge to assess the anticipated collection of testimony of the victims in cases involving crimes against sexual freedom and integrity. The parties may request that the judge authorize the use of technological means (such as videoconference, closed-circuit transmission, Gesell chamber, or similar tools), always with the support of specialized professionals.