News In Brief

Panamanian inauguration is disrupted by shooting

At least 50 people were wounded Wednesday when shooting broke out between the National Guard and demonstrators as Panama's new President, Nicolas Ardito Barletta, was being sworn in, witnesses said.

A demonstration was organized by supporters of Arnulfo Arias, who says he was cheated out of the presidency by fraudulent vote counting.

The National Guard was called out when the protesters overturned a bus and set it on fire. Many of the passengers were injured by thrown stones as they fled the scene.

Hospital sources said at least 50 people had been admitted, some with bullet wounds, but that none were in critical condition.