Colombians protest government policies amid concerns over right to demonstrate
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Bogotá on Wednesday to oppose the economic and social policies of President Abelardo de la Espriella's government, amid growing concerns over restrictions on peaceful demonstrations.
Trade unions, teachers, students and social organisations assembled at Plaza de Bolívar as part of a nationwide mobilisation, calling for the protection of civil liberties and public services.
“Protesting is a right that every Colombian, every citizen in the world has, and we must value rights,” demonstrator Daniel Morales said, urging authorities to respect freedom of expression and assembly.
Another protester, Wilmer Caicedo, expressed concern over possible intervention by riot police, insisting that citizens should be allowed to demonstrate without intimidation. “We are protesting freely. It is the right to protest freely,” he said.
The demonstrations followed an October 12 announcement by President De la Espriella that his government would uphold the constitutional right to peaceful protest but authorise proportionate police intervention in cases of violence.
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While the government maintains that the measures are intended to protect public safety, trade unions and civil society groups have raised concerns about their potential impact on the right to protest.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
