Monday, September 25, 2023

Thousands march in Bogota to demand end to protests, roadblocks

QCOLOMBIA (Reuters) Waving flags and dressed in white, thousands marched in Colombia’s capital Bogota on Sunday to demand an end to protests and roadblocks, as well as to express support for security forces, following a month of demonstrations.

People march in opposition to road blockades and violence after a month of national protests, in Bogota, Colombia May 30, 2021. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

“They (the roadblocks) are taking the cities hostage. They are stopping the economy,” Patricia Gonzalez, 45, said.

The roadblocks have caused shortages of food and supplies in some parts of the country.

- Advertisement -

Though acknowledging the use of excessive force by some police, Gonzalez said not all police were corrupt and that the protests had gone on long enough.

Talks between the government and national protest leaders are to restart on Sunday, after stalling last week.

Widespread protests began at the end of April in opposition to a now-withdrawn tax reform but have since expanded to call for a basic income, opportunities for young people and to end police violence.

People march in opposition to road blockades and violence after a month of national protests, in Bogota, Colombia May 30, 2021. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

The month of protests have been beset with violence. The national government has so-far linked 17 civilian deaths and the deaths of two police officers to the protests, while rights groups say security forces have killed dozens of civilians.

- Advertisement -

In Colombia’s third-largest city, Cali, 13 people were killed during a day of protests on Friday, Mayor Jorge Ivan Ospina said on Saturday, stressing it was not certain how many of these were linked to demonstrations.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on Sunday called for those responsible for the violence in Cali to be held accountable.

“I call for an end to all forms of violence,” she said in a statement, calling for an investigation into the deaths and injuries.

While a “pre-agreement” to further negotiations was reached on Monday, strike organizers have since accused the government of deliberately stalling talks by not signing the deal.

The government says protest leaders must condemn roadblocks as part of the pre-agreement, calling the point non-negotiable.

- Advertisement -

FACT CHECK:
We strive for accuracy in its reports. But if you see something that doesn't look right, send us an email. The Q reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it's accuracy.

Rico
Rico
"Rico" is the crazy mind behind the Q media websites, a series of onlinemagazines that includes TodayColombia.com. Rico brings his special kind of savvy to online marketing. His websites are engaging, provocative, informative and sometimes off the wall, where you either like or you leave it. The same goes for him, like him or leave him.There is no middle ground. No compromises, only a passion to present reality as he sees it!

Related Articles

Colombia has one of the lowest minimum wages in Latin America

QCOLOMBIA - 2023 starts and with it many of the workers...

Colombia and Venezuela reopen border crossing after 7 years

QCOLOMBIA - Colombia and Venezuela on Monday, September 26, 2022, reopened...
- paying the bills -

MOST READ

- paying the bills -

WANT TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST!

Get our daily newsletter with the latest posts directly in your mailbox. Click on the subscribe and fill out the form. It's that simple!