Colombia Protests

[lpetrich]

Colombia's protests, explained - CNN - May 7

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 Daniel Palacios.

...
Colombians first hit the streets on April 28 to protest a controversial fiscal reform introduced by President Ivan Duque. "The reform is not a whim. It's a necessity to keep the social programs going," he has said.

CNN has previously reported that Colombia needs to increase revenues through taxes in order to be able to spend -- and even to maintain vital social programs like cash support for the unemployed and credit lines to businesses struggling with the pandemic.

But critics argued the tax hikes -- like a proposed value added tax (VAT) increase on everyday goods -- would disproportionally impact middle and working classes and escalate inequality in the country's pandemic-hit economy.

...
Duque has withdrawn the proposed reform, but popular anger has only kept growing -- fueled at least in part by the government's iron-fisted response to protests.

Videos of anti-riot policemen using tear gas and batons against protesters have gone viral on social media, spreading beyond big cities and across the country. Far from curbing the protests, alleged police brutality has become a focal point for the demonstrators, who are now calling for an independent, international inquiry into the deaths.

 

[lpetrich]

Death toll from Colombia protests rises as cities brace for COVID fallout | Reuters

The reported death toll from nearly two weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia rose past 40 on Tuesday, a day ahead of a planned national strike, while major cities warned of a prolonged peak in COVID-19 cases due to demonstrations.

Violent protests fueled by outrage at a now-canceled tax plan began on April 28. Demonstrator demands have expanded to include a basic income, an end to police violence and the withdrawal of a long-debated health reform.

Why Colombia's protests are unlikely to fizzle out - BBC News

Dozens of people have died since a wave of protests started to sweep across Colombia on 28 April.

Protesters have blocked key roads leading to shortages of fuel and food in some areas and there have been violent clashes between the security forces and demonstrators.

The government has agreed to meet protest leaders but with more and more groups joining in the protests, the demands of those who have taken to the streets have widened and a quick resolution seems unlikely.

 

[lpetrich]

elespectador on Twitter: "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pide rendición de cuentas por abusos durante el Paro Nacional. (link)" / Twitter
Google Translate: "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls for accountability for abuses during the National Strike."

@AOCenEspañol on Twitter: "Apoyamos a nuestros hermanos y hermanas colombianos. Todas las personas deben tener el derecho fundamental de manifestarse contra sus líderes electos. //www.elespectador.com/noticias/el-mundo/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-pide-rendicion-de-cuentas-por-abusos-durante-el-paro-nacional/" / Twitter
"We support our Colombian brothers and sisters. All people should have the fundamental right to demonstrate against their elected leaders."

@AOCenEspañol on Twitter: "Estos ciudadanos protestaban por las reformas contra la clase trabajadora, por eso, perdieron la vida. Debe haber rendición de cuentas por la larga serie de abusos a los derechos humanos ejercidos por el gobierno" / Twitter
"These citizens were protesting the reforms against the working class, therefore, they lost their lives. There must be accountability for the long series of human rights abuses by the government"

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "Manifestaciones y vigilias aquí en nuestra comunidad en solidaridad con la gente de Colombia.

El pueblo está cantando: ¡Medellín, amigo, Nueva York está contigo!
#SOSColombia (link)" / Twitter
Demonstrations and vigils here in our community in solidarity with the people of Colombia.

The people are singing: Medellín, my friend, New York is with you!

 

[lpetrich]

the slacktivists on Instagram: “Last week, thousands of Colombians took part in a national strike…”

Last week, thousands of Colombians took part in a national strike against a tax proposal from President Iván Duque Márquez. Although Duque has withdrawn the proposal, mass protests have continued against economic inequality, rising poverty, and government repression.

Protesters in Colombia have been met with police violence and military suppression, and dozens of people have died with hundreds more injured.

Photo: NYT

#SOSColombia #NoALaReformaTributaria #Colombia #Colombia

The other pictures in this Instagram story go into a lot of detail, like on the increased taxes.

 

[Rhea]

I was wondering what was happening lately o this. Here’s a good article on Al Jazeera that gives more context

https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/5/22/the-colombian-protests-reflect-a-deep-legitimacy-crisis

Colombia is a country in which the political leadership has historically feared mobilisation, even when done peacefully. Such fears have led to the closure of avenues for political representation and participation. They have fuelled cycles of violence, including the armed conflict with FARC, from which the country is still recovering.