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 President Ivan Duque has since withdrawn the proposed tax reform.
Since the tax reform was withdrawn, protesters’ demands expanded to include a basic income and an end to police violence.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.
