Massive Mobilizations in Bogota

Mass protests in Colombia against the De la Espriella administration

CI. – Thousands of people took to the streets in various cities and municipalities across Colombia to protest against De la Espriella’s far-right government, which responded with threats of snipers and police repression in cities such as Medellín and Bogotá. Protests took place in Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Bucaramanga, Yopal, Sogamoso, Manizales, Popayán, Saravena, Tame, Fortul, Ocaña, Pereira, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Ibagué, and Santa Marta, among other state capitals and municipalities across the country.

In Medellín, the police responded with violence and attacked thousands of people, who defended themselves against the officers’ assaults. ESMAD police deployed tear gas, stun grenades, rubber bullets, and three armored vehicles, including the “Venom.” Journalists and human rights defenders were also attacked. Several people were arrested during the police assault.

In Ibagué and Popayán, disturbances also broke out due to police repression.

Furthermore, several members of Congress and human rights organizations reported that armed snipers were deployed in Bogotá, positioning themselves in a threatening manner against the peaceful demonstrations. Similarly, police suppressed the demonstrations in the city.

The protesters condemned U.S. interference in Colombia, the government’s economic measures, and the extrajudicial killings committed during the first months of the administration. Several photos and videos show that the protests were massive across the country, despite repeated threats from the government.

Translated from the original article published by colombia informa: https://www.colombiainforma.info/masivas-movilizaciones-en-colombia-contra-el-gobierno-de-de-la-espriella/