The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela denounced on Tuesday the forced opening of the Venezuelan diplomatic pouch at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama.
The information was released by the Chancellor of the Republic, Yván Gil, through an official communiqué published on his channel on Telegram. In the communiqué, Venezuela points out that this act constitutes a direct and flagrant violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, «whose Article 27 clearly establishes the inviolability of the diplomatic pouch, which may not be opened or detained under any circumstances.»
“In light of this outrage, the Bolivarian Government demands full guarantees of non-repetition and urges the Panamanian authorities to strictly comply with the regulations governing diplomatic and consular activity, considering the willingness expressed by both governments to reactivate consular services,” as expresses the Communiqué.
Following, the full text of the Official Communiqué:
“The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela denounces the events occurred on February 24, 2026, when it was forcibly opened the Venezuelan diplomatic pouch at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama.
This act constitutes a direct and flagrant violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, whose Article 27 clearly establishes the inviolability of the diplomatic pouch, which may not be opened or detained under any circumstances.
The immunity of diplomatic communications is an essential principle for coexistence between nations. Its violation sets a dangerous precedent that affects the legal security of our missions and infringes upon the right to identity of the Venezuelan community residing in Panamanian territory.
In light of this outrage, the Bolivarian Government demands full guarantees of non-repetition and urges the Panamanian authorities to strictly comply with the regulations governing diplomatic and consular activity, considering the willingness expressed by both governments to reactivate consular services”.