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Tensions escalate in Colombian protests: “we won’t stop until the fire is out”

Published

5 years ago

June 2, 2021

William Howard

Citizens in Colombia are protesting a tax overhaul and the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic

Colombia recorded 20 deaths at protests over the weekend, but Human Rights Watch says the actual count may be closer to 60

Colombian city Cali has become the epicentre of anti-government protests. Over the weekend, individuals in civilian clothing opened fire on demonstrators. Authorities later confirmed one of the gunmen was an off-duty police officer.

The officer allegedly killed two people before the crowd lynched him.

“The youth of Cali has said that the people of the strike committee do not represent us. We will not give up and we will not stop until the fire is put out.”
Andres Velasquez, a protest leader in the city of Cali

The month of protests come in response to recently proposed social and economic policies. President Ivan Duque has since withdrawn the proposed tax reform.

Since the tax reform was withdrawn, protesters’ demands expanded to include a basic income and an end to police violence. Protesters also called for an end to police violence, including the dissolution of the feared anti-riot unit ESMAD.

Students in Colombia cheer on their militant classmates as they leave campus to fight the police. pic.twitter.com/klv5FXLRPR
— Filler Distro | PGH (@PghAutonomy) May 31, 2021

In response to the protests, Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez deployed military personnel to thirteen cities to assist local police.

However, critics say this will only fuel the violence and not help end it.

“Having more security forces on the streets is not a step in the direction of peace.”
Sebastian Lanz, Co-director at TEMBLORESONG; Which is an NGO specialised in documenting police violence

Authorities are investigating 10 police officers who allowed civilians to shoot at protesters

Meanwhile, the protests continue in Colombia, with another one reportedly planned for Wednesday. The attorney general’s office also reportedly linked three additional deaths to protests.

In an interview with a German broadcaster, Jose Miguel Vivanco from Human Rights Watch said the situation in Cali could deteriorate with the deployment of the military.

Colombian security forces have “a very poor record with regard to the use of force,” Vivanco added.

Related Topics:Cali colombia police protests trending

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William Howard

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

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OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.

The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.

The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.

Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.

This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.

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#OpenAI #SmartSpeaker #AIHardware #TechNews #Innovation #Manufacturing #AIRevenue #FutureTech

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Putin invited to Trump’s Gaza Peace Board

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly received an invitation to join the U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, according to the Kremlin. The council, created by President Donald Trump, is designed to maintain a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while overseeing the region’s reconstruction.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow will review the details of the invitation before responding. The board has already extended invitations to several world leaders, with some nations confirming their participation.

The proposal has sparked debate because the Trump administration reportedly requires participating nations to pay $1 billion to secure a permanent seat. Putin’s potential involvement also raises concerns, given his ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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#GazaPeace #Putin #Trump #MiddleEast #InternationalRelations #WorldLeaders #Ceasefire #GlobalPolitics

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Trump escalates Greenland standoff as Europe weighs retaliation

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Denmark has deployed additional troops to Greenland after President Donald Trump renewed his push for U.S. control of the island, linking the issue to what he claims cost him a Nobel Peace Prize.

The move has raised alarm across Europe, with leaders scrambling to prevent a fresh transatlantic crisis.

Trump has warned of tariffs against countries opposing American control of Greenland, calling the territory vital to U.S. security interests. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has privately raised concerns with Trump, while EU officials assess potential coordinated countermeasures.

Despite the rhetoric, European leaders remain cautious. With U.S. influence deeply embedded in Europe’s defence and security framework, the bloc is keen to avoid further escalation as diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes.

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