Colombia protests: What prompted them and where are they headed?
5 years, 1 month ago

Colombia protests: What prompted them and where are they headed?

Al Jazeera  

Discontent over inequality, education, Duque’s slow implementation of the 2016 peace deal has been simmering for months. Protester Jonathan Ramirez said: “Colombia is tired of injustice, bad governance and social inequality.” The 34-year-old told Al Jazeera: “Colombia is our life, our home and we’re ruining it”. Duque has so far offered to hold a “national dialogue” with “all social sectors” through March 15 to address economic inequality, corruption, education, the environment, strengthening government institutions, and improving the lives of those living in the hardest-hit areas of the country’s brutal conflict. Gimena Sanchez, the Andes director at the Washington Office on Latin America, called Duque’s response so far a “drop in a bucket of a faucet of accusations and criminalisation of social protest”. “Depending on the government’s response, things may even escalate.” Tickner believes the protests may become more subdued, like in other counties in the region, “as governments either repress them or gesture towards dialogue and change.” She added, however, she anticipates that: “Until some form of meaningful political, economic and social reform is enacted, the peace process is advanced more forcefully, and Duque takes popular demands more seriously, social protest will continue.” For 66-year-old Palacios, who attended the march for the future of his children and grandchildren, demonstrations must continue.

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History of this topic

Violence intensifies in southwest Colombia as FARC holdout group attacks police and military
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Violence intensifies in southwest Colombia as FARC holdout group attacks police and military

Hindustan Times  

BOGOTA, Colombia — Violence intensified in southwestern Colombia on Monday when a bomb blast injured six people in the city of Jamundi and an attack by insurgents on a police station in the rural town of Morales left at least two officers dead, according to police. Violence intensifies in southwest Colombia as FARC holdout group attacks police and military Colombia’s …

Colombia begins a six-month cease-fire with its last remaining rebel group in hopes of forging peace
1 year, 5 months ago

Colombia begins a six-month cease-fire with its last remaining rebel group in hopes of forging peace

Associated Press  

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia and the National Liberation Army, or ELN, formally began a six-month cease-fire Thursday as part of a process to forge a permanent peace between the government and the country’s last remaining rebel group. Petro appealed to the guerrilla leaders to leave behind deadly violence, saying that “everyone who really wants to transform this society, in today’s …

Colombia’s Indigenous population faces scourge of violence
2 years, 2 months ago

Colombia’s Indigenous population faces scourge of violence

Al Jazeera  

In 2021, an Indigenous person in Colombia was killed every four days, according to a new report. Council member Mauricio Capaz told Al Jazeera that Colombia’s Indigenous communities were increasingly being “threatened and persecuted” in the years since the country’s 2016 peace accord, noting: “Indigenous peoples are going through a very complex situation. “Indigenous communities have suffered disproportionately from targeted …

Colombians call for end to impunity as activist killings continue
2 years, 5 months ago

Colombians call for end to impunity as activist killings continue

Al Jazeera  

More than 100 social leaders killed so far this year, rights group says, as Colombia grapples with surging violence. “They are targeted by illegal organisations to assert their total control, instil fear in the population and subdue them.” Rise in violence Indepaz says 1,328 social leaders – a term used to describe political activists, community representatives and rights defenders – …

Colombia’s shift to the left: A new ‘pink tide’ in Latin America?
2 years, 6 months ago

Colombia’s shift to the left: A new ‘pink tide’ in Latin America?

Al Jazeera  

The sun is rising on a new day for Colombians, especially for those who Vice President-elect Francia Marquez calls the “nobodies”: women, Indigenous communities, Afro-Colombians, LGBTQ+, working class, disabled people and all the others who have been disproportionately impacted by poverty, state violence, discrimination and environmental destruction in the country. On Sunday, former Bogota Mayor Gustavo Petro and his candidate …

What’s at stake in Colombia’s upcoming elections
2 years, 9 months ago

What’s at stake in Colombia’s upcoming elections

Al Jazeera  

Bogota, Colombia – When Yoad Ernesto Pérez Becerra launched his congressional campaign in one of the most violent corners of Colombia, he did so with the promise that he would be an “architect of peace”. That vast dislike for Duque and his party was driven by a resurgence of violence in the countryside and “egregious” human rights abuses by police …

Colombia: At least 23 dead in clashes between armed rebel groups
3 years ago

Colombia: At least 23 dead in clashes between armed rebel groups

Al Jazeera  

Bogota, Colombia – Violent confrontations between Colombian rebel groups near the country’s border with Venezuela have left at least 23 people dead, Defence Minister Diego Molano told a news conference late on Monday. The ombudsman’s office expressed “deep concern for the escalation of the armed conflict in Arauca due to the confrontation between illegal armed groups that put the civilian …

Colombian forces committed ‘serious’ abuses during protests: UN
3 years ago

Colombian forces committed ‘serious’ abuses during protests: UN

Al Jazeera  

Colombia’s police responsible for at least 28 deaths during anti-government protests this year, UN report finds. Security forces in Colombia committed “serious” human rights violations during a crackdown on mass protests earlier this year that left dozens dead, the United Nations said in a new report, urging the government to reform how demonstrations are managed. The report also urged “the …

Colombia protesters faced ‘intentional’ police violence: Report
3 years, 1 month ago

Colombia protesters faced ‘intentional’ police violence: Report

Al Jazeera  

Amnesty International says over 100 people suffered eye injuries in security force crackdown on mass protests this year. Government reforms Colombian police were internationally condemned earlier this year for their heavy-handed response to the protests, with Human Rights Watch saying in June that officers had committed “egregious” abuses. Colombian President Ivan Duque has promised to “modernise” the country’s police force, …

Report reveals illegal detention and torture in Colombia protests
3 years, 5 months ago

Report reveals illegal detention and torture in Colombia protests

Al Jazeera  

‘These events are extremely serious and must be investigated diligently, independently and impartially,’ Amnesty International says. Through an “exhaustive digital verification” of images and videos, Amnesty also confirmed that National Police officials permitted acts of violence and urban paramilitarism by armed civilians against demonstrators and human rights activists. “n a country battered by decades of paramilitary violence, these events are …

At least 70 arrested in latest round of Colombia protests
3 years, 5 months ago

At least 70 arrested in latest round of Colombia protests

Al Jazeera  

The demonstrations marked the end of a weeks-long pause in the unrest over taxes, police and poverty. At least 70 people have been arrested in the latest round of anti-government protests in Colombia, according to police. Tuesday’s demonstration against the government’s introduction to parliament of a new, more mild tax proposal marked the end of a weeks-long pause in demonstrations, …

More protests in Colombia as government unveils new tax plan
3 years, 5 months ago

More protests in Colombia as government unveils new tax plan

ABP News  

Bogota, Jul 21 : Protests against poverty and inequality resumed in Colombia as President Ivan Duque presented a USD 4 billion tax plan aimed at helping the government pay for social programs and pandemic-related expenses. The new plan is smaller than a USD 6.3 billion package that was presented in April and set off huge protests across Colombia, in which …

More protests in Colombia as government unveils new tax plan
3 years, 5 months ago

More protests in Colombia as government unveils new tax plan

Associated Press  

BOGOTA, Colombia — Protests against poverty and inequality resumed on Colombia’s independence day Tuesday as President Ivan Duque presented a $4 billion tax plan aimed at helping the government pay for social programs and pandemic-related expenses. Thousands joined in marches in Colombia’s main cities while Duque outlined to congress his government’s achievements and presented a tax plan for financing subsidies …

Colombia used ‘excessive’ force against protesters: IACHR
3 years, 6 months ago

Colombia used ‘excessive’ force against protesters: IACHR

Al Jazeera  

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights urges Colombia to make structural changes to its militarised police force. Bogota, Colombia – The Colombian government used “excessive and disproportionate” force during mass protests earlier this year, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights said in a long-awaited report released on Wednesday. “The response of the state was characterised by an excessive and disproportionate use …

Can protesters in Colombia win change?
3 years, 6 months ago

Can protesters in Colombia win change?

Al Jazeera  

On Tuesday, July 6 at 19:30 GMT: Protesters are still regularly taking to the streets of cities and towns across Colombia, more than two months after thousands of demonstrators began calling for widespread economic and social change. Protesters are also demanding major reforms to the police, which Human Rights Watch says has committed “egregious abuses” in a crackdown on the …

Violent protests erupt in Colombia anew over ‘egregious abuses’
3 years, 6 months ago

Violent protests erupt in Colombia anew over ‘egregious abuses’

Al Jazeera  

Anti-government protesters and police traded blows in demonstrations across Colombia that marked two months of unrest in which more than 60 people have died. Colombia has been rocked by protests since April, following opposition to a proposed tax hike that morphed into a mass movement against the right-wing administration of President Ivan Duque. In the capital, Bogota, dozens drew silhouettes …

Protesters in Colombia turn to town hall meetings for solutions
3 years, 6 months ago

Protesters in Colombia turn to town hall meetings for solutions

Al Jazeera  

Lack of progress at the national level has spurred Colombians to look to local officials to address their social concerns. “The people are waking up,” said a 25-year-old protest leader and university student, known as Soldier, during a recent town hall meeting at the Puerto Resistencia blockade. “This is one of those rare instances where there’s a sense that it …

In Pictures: Colombia protests sharpen Cali’s class war
3 years, 6 months ago

In Pictures: Colombia protests sharpen Cali’s class war

Al Jazeera  

In a rich neighbourhood in the Colombian city of Cali, residents standing next to police fire their weapons at protesters. After 50 days of social protests against the government of right-wing President Ivan Duque, Cali’s class divide seems to be getting wider. “It was like a civil war with civilians worried for their homes and property, and the police on …

Colombia protest leaders suspending weekly demonstrations
3 years, 6 months ago

Colombia protest leaders suspending weekly demonstrations

Al Jazeera  

A spokesman for the national strike committee says the fight for better social and economic policies will continue. National strike committee spokesman Francisco Maltes said on Tuesday that the umbrella group of workers’ unions, student organisations and others had decided to “temporarily” pause the protests that have taken place on Wednesdays. “Protest in Colombia will continue because the reasons behind …

Rights group: Colombian police cause deaths of 20 protesters
3 years, 7 months ago

Rights group: Colombian police cause deaths of 20 protesters

Associated Press  

BUCARAMANGA, Colombia — An international monitoring group on Wednesday accused police officers in Colombia of responsibility for the deaths of 20 people and other violent actions against protesters during recent unrest, including sexual abuse, beatings and arbitrary detentions. Human Rights Watch in a report said it has “credible evidence” indicating police killed at least 16 protesters or bystanders with “live …

Rights group: Colombian police cause deaths of 20 protesters
3 years, 7 months ago

Rights group: Colombian police cause deaths of 20 protesters

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Human Rights Watch said in a report said it …

‘Egregious’ police abuse against Colombian protesters: Report
3 years, 7 months ago

‘Egregious’ police abuse against Colombian protesters: Report

Al Jazeera  

Bogotá, Colombia — Colombian police have committed “egregious” abuses against “mostly peaceful demonstrators” during protests that began in late April against the tax reform but have expanded to include a host of social inequities, a new report has said. Human Rights Watch called on Colombia’s government to “take urgent measures to protect human rights, initiate a comprehensive police reform effort” …

Protesters back on the streets of Colombia amid stalled talks
3 years, 7 months ago

Protesters back on the streets of Colombia amid stalled talks

Al Jazeera  

Thousands are protesting across Colombia to demand a basic income, more opportunities for youth and an end to police violence. Mass demonstrations were sparked at the end of April against a now-withdrawn tax reform proposed by President Ivan Duque‘s government, but they have continued with protesters now demanding a basic income, opportunities for young people, and an end to police …

Colombia's president deploys military to protest-hit city
3 years, 7 months ago

Colombia's president deploys military to protest-hit city

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Colombian President Iván Duque on Friday announced the deployment of …

A month on, Colombia continues to grapple with protest violence
3 years, 7 months ago

A month on, Colombia continues to grapple with protest violence

Al Jazeera  

Protesters plan a national strike on Friday as their demands grow and negotiations with the government lag. “But I still support the national strike … we shouldn’t complain so much about the protests.” The protests were sparked by a tax reform proposal in mid-April opposed by many working- and middle-class Colombians. “The fact that his government ends next year also …

The Colombian protests reflect a deep legitimacy crisis
3 years, 7 months ago

The Colombian protests reflect a deep legitimacy crisis

Al Jazeera  

The country could slip into another cycle of violence if the government continues to ignore people’s grievances. The government’s response: Violence and slander The initial response of the government to cross-sector criticism of its tax reform proposal was completely tone-deaf. Mobilisation as an outcome of the 2016 peace accords While the proposed tax reform was the trigger of the recent …

Colombia mass demonstrations ‘reflect a deep national crisis’
3 years, 7 months ago

Colombia mass demonstrations ‘reflect a deep national crisis’

Al Jazeera  

Protesters take to the streets for fourth week demanding government action on poverty, police violence, and other issues. The protests began last month after right-wing Colombian President Ivan Duque’s government introduced a tax reform that critics said would disproportionately harm the working and middle classes, already hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The national strike committee, made up of major unions, …

In Pictures: Cali – The epicentre of protests in Colombia
3 years, 7 months ago

In Pictures: Cali – The epicentre of protests in Colombia

Al Jazeera  

Cali, Colombia – Cali has become the epicentre of anti-government protests since April 28 over a tax reform proposal by President Ivan Duque’s right-wing government that intends to tax basic goods and food for an already impoverished working class struggling through the pandemic. The streets of Cali, the third largest city of Colombia with almost 2.5 million inhabitants, have witnessed …

Colombia enters third week of anti-government protests
3 years, 7 months ago

Colombia enters third week of anti-government protests

Al Jazeera  

Protesters are calling for end to police violence and more economic support during pandemic, among long list of demands. Anti-government protests have entered their third week in Colombia, as union members, students, pensioners and more took to the streets to protest against recent violence and demand economic assistance in the pandemic-hit country. Cristian Urena, a student at the protest, told …

EXPLAINER: Why are people protesting across Colombia?
3 years, 8 months ago

EXPLAINER: Why are people protesting across Colombia?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The military has sometimes joined police since Duque on …

Colombia’s Duque seeks to calm protest as grievances fester
3 years, 8 months ago

Colombia’s Duque seeks to calm protest as grievances fester

Al Jazeera  

Protest groups are sceptical of dialogue with embattled president saying similar talks accomplished little after 2019 demonstrations. “We had a productive meeting with the coalition of hope, a great opportunity for dialogue, overcoming differences and without political point-scoring,” Duque wrote on social media on Friday, referring to the group of politicians. The group “entered talks with President Ivan Duque as …

Why Colombia's deadly riots are a warning sign for a continent smashed by Covid
3 years, 8 months ago

Why Colombia's deadly riots are a warning sign for a continent smashed by Covid

The Telegraph  

25-year-old nurse Maria Elena Ramírez says her country is in pain. As a health worker, Ms Ramírez kept her job during the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, but her husband, a security guard, was sacked when he became ill with Covid-19 last November. “They’ve taken so much from us, we have nothing else to lose,” said Ms Ramírez. “We have …

Colombia’s protests, explained
3 years, 8 months ago

Colombia’s protests, explained

CNN  

CNN — More than a week of violent protests across Colombia have seen least 25 people killed and hundreds injured, prompting statements of concern from the US government and the European Union. Fueled by frustration over Covid-19’s crushing economic pain and exacerbated by a heavy-handed police response, the upheaval has reached 247 cities and towns, according to Colombia Interior Minister …

Demands grow as Colombians hold eighth day of mass protests
3 years, 8 months ago

Demands grow as Colombians hold eighth day of mass protests

Al Jazeera  

Anti-government protests were met with police tear gas as rights group continue to raise concerns about excessive force. “Yes, they’ve withdrawn the reform, but they haven’t changed it,” said 48-year-old emerald trade union worker, Olga Cabos, who took part in the second national strike since April 28 in downtown Bogota. “Although the tax reform was the initial spark, current protests …

Colombia’s bloody protests could be a warning to the region
3 years, 8 months ago

Colombia’s bloody protests could be a warning to the region

CNN  

CNN — Tensions have hardly dissipated in Colombia after President Ivan Duque withdrew a controversial fiscal reform proposal this weekend. Thousands of people are still taking to the streets to protest against police brutality and the economic cost of the pandemic amid Colombia’s extreme inequality. And with both issues common across South America – and exacerbated by the pandemic – …

Deadly protests in Colombia
3 years, 8 months ago

Deadly protests in Colombia

Al Jazeera  

The UN rights office has condemned the “excessive use of force” by security officers in Colombia, after numerous deaths during days of protests. The protests, which began last week, demanded the withdrawal of a tax reform proposed by the government of President Ivan Duque – he did so on Sunday, but the protests have continued. The UN rights office said …

UN rights office condemns Colombia crackdown on protests
3 years, 8 months ago

UN rights office condemns Colombia crackdown on protests

Al Jazeera  

The UN says Colombian police in Cali ‘opened fire’ on protests sparked by a government tax proposal. The United Nation’s human rights office has expressed “deep alarm” over violence at the Colombian city of Cali, saying police “opened fire” on people taking part in days of protests against proposed tax changes. The demonstrations continued on Monday even after Duque withdrew …

Colombia protests continue after government withdraws tax reform
3 years, 8 months ago

Colombia protests continue after government withdraws tax reform

Al Jazeera  

Colombia’s finance minister has resigned, but experts say public anger goes beyond the widely-decried tax proposal. “The fact that the tax reform stood little chance of being approved in the Congress, combined with the growing unruliness of the protests and domestic and international condemnation of widespread police brutality, likely factored into the president’s decision.” In a local media interview last …

Colombia protests: Five civilians and one police officer die in unrest
3 years, 8 months ago

Colombia protests: Five civilians and one police officer die in unrest

CNN  

CNN — At least five civilians and one police officer have died during protests against a government tax reform in Colombia since the start of unresrt this week, the country’s Ombudsman said Saturday. Ombudsman Carlos Camargo said three civilians died in the city of Cali, one civilian in Bogota, one civilian in Neiva and one police officer in Soacha, citing …

Thousands march in Colombia over tax proposals, rising insecurity
3 years, 8 months ago

Thousands march in Colombia over tax proposals, rising insecurity

Al Jazeera  

Strike went ahead despite calls for it to be postponed because of COVID-19, with riot police using tear gas to disperse the crowds. Bogota, Colombia – Tens of thousands of protesters answered the call of Colombia’s biggest unions to take to the streets over the government’s proposed tax proposals despite a court order to postpone the strike over concerns of …

‘Humanitarian time bomb’: 4,700 Venezuelans flee to Colombia
3 years, 9 months ago

‘Humanitarian time bomb’: 4,700 Venezuelans flee to Colombia

Al Jazeera  

Some accuse Venezuelan army of using excessive force in operation against armed groups near Colombia-Venezuela border. About 4,700 Venezuelans have been displaced to neighbouring Colombia during the past week, according to Colombian government figures, after the Venezuelan military launched an operation against armed groups near the border. The Venezuelan military launched an operation last weekend against fighters belonging to what …

Thousands of Venezuelans flee to Colombia amid violence on border
3 years, 9 months ago

Thousands of Venezuelans flee to Colombia amid violence on border

Al Jazeera  

Venezuela’s military says it is fighting Colombian armed groups in rural areas, Colombia says people ‘forcibly displaced’. More than 3,100 people in 780 families make up the group, which began arriving in the Colombian municipality of Arauquita starting on Monday because of the military operations, Colombia’s migration agency said. On Wednesday Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza denounced attacks by Colombia …

Colombia’s response to Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis
3 years, 10 months ago

Colombia’s response to Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis

Al Jazeera  

Nearly two million Venezuelan refugees are living in the neighbouring country without stability or visas. Nearly two million people are living in the neighbouring country without stability or visas. Colombian President Iván Duque hopes this measure will get the country international help for one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. The team: Ney Alvarez produced this episode with …

‘The fight continues’: Colombia protests persist despite pandemic
4 years, 1 month ago

‘The fight continues’: Colombia protests persist despite pandemic

Al Jazeera  

Bogota, Colombia – Hundreds of people gathered at a street corner in downtown Bogota on Monday to commemorate the anniversary of Dilan Cruz’s death. Throughout the vigil, the mostly young crowd chanted: “Dilan didn’t die, Dilan was killed!” The killing of Cruz, who was shot with a projectile by riot police at close range, fuelled Colombia’s burgeoning anti-government protests in …

Colombia president, ex-rebels meet to curb ongoing violence
4 years, 2 months ago

Colombia president, ex-rebels meet to curb ongoing violence

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Colombian President Iván Duque’s government and former guerrillas who signed …

Police killing sparks riots across Colombia that leave seven dead
4 years, 4 months ago

Police killing sparks riots across Colombia that leave seven dead

Al Jazeera  

Video of the police abuse went viral sparking unrest across the country with more than 150 civilians and police injured. Bogota’s Mayor Claudia Lopez called the police brutality “unacceptable”, but also condemned the violence in Bogota that resulted in deaths. “Yesterday, Bogota woke up with reason, in pain, protesting the death of a citizen because of police abuse,” the distraught …

Thousands Of Migrants Head Back To Venezuela To Flee Colombia's COVID-19 Lockdown
4 years, 8 months ago

Thousands Of Migrants Head Back To Venezuela To Flee Colombia's COVID-19 Lockdown

NPR  

Thousands Of Migrants Head Back To Venezuela To Flee Colombia's COVID-19 Lockdown Enlarge this image toggle caption Fernando Vergara/AP Fernando Vergara/AP Nearly 2 million Venezuelans fled to Colombia in recent years to escape their country's devastating economic crisis and rebuild their lives. As of Monday, Colombian migration officials said 12,000 Venezuelan migrants had returned to their home country on 290 …

Colombia: Protesters sceptical of Duque’s call for dialogue
5 years, 1 month ago

Colombia: Protesters sceptical of Duque’s call for dialogue

Al Jazeera  

Many protesters say Duque’s call for talks is too little too late as discontent grows with right-wing government. Bogota, Colombia – Protesters in Bogota have expressed scepticism over President Ivan Duque‘s call for “national dialogue” to quell the demonstrations that have rocked Colombia since last week. “They’re not going to negotiate with us,” said Hector Paez, a 60-year-old university professor …

‘Referendum on Duque’: Thousands march against Colombia president
5 years, 1 month ago

‘Referendum on Duque’: Thousands march against Colombia president

Al Jazeera  

Bogota, Colombia – Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched through the dense city streets of Bogota and other cities across Colombia on Thursday as the country joined a wave of others in South America experiencing anti-government demonstrations. “I’m so scared because I have kids.” Civil society groups opposing economic reforms by Duque’s right-wing government announced the strike last month. “It’s …

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