The Empowerment Project::The Panama Deception

Panama Deception | Coverup | Destination Nicaragua | Raw Footage

The Panama Deception documents the untold story of the December 1989 U.S. Invasion of Panama; the events which led to it, the excessive force used, the enormity of the death and destruction, and the devastating aftermath. The Panama Deception uncovers the real reasons for this internationally condemned attack, presenting a view of the invasion which widely differs from that portrayed by the U.S. media. The Panama Deception exposes how the U.S. government and the mainstream media suppressed information about this foreign policy disaster.

The Panamanian Defense Forces was one of the primary targets of the invasion. The Canal Treaty signed by President Carter and General Torrijos states that in order for the canal to return to Panama in 1999, Panama must have the means to protect it. Following the invasion Panama amended its constitution to abolish the P.D.F.

After the invasion, Panamanians were horrified to uncover several mass graves.

Journalists were another target of the invasion, both literally and figuratively. The mainstream U.S. media presented the invasion just the way the Pentagon wanted it - as a mission to capture Manuel Noriega, drug smuggler and dictator. No dissenting views were heard in the U.S. media, nor were international condemnations given much attention. In Panama, independent journalists suffered at the hands of the military.

Manuel Becker is a Panamanian cameraman.

Michael Parenti
media critic and author

Julio Guerra
Panamanian Journalist

The damage caused by the invasion was
overwhelming. Eyewitnesses stated that U.S.
Marines going door to door and burning
buildings in the residential neighborhood of
El Chorillo.

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