Slays amid Panama hell

Two people taking part in an anti-government protest in Panama were shot dead on Tuesday by an unknown assailant, authorities said, aggravating tension that has welled up since anger over a lucrative mining contract sparked demonstrations.

The deaths come as thousands of people have joined street protests after a mining contract signed with Canadian firm First Quantum Minerals spilled into wider government discontent.

Road blocks set up by protesters have caused up to $80 million in daily losses to businesses, with schools closed nationwide for more than a week.