Colombia: Authorities confirm five killed, dozens injured, in Bogota unrest September 10 /update 1

Event

Colombian officials announced on Thursday, September 10, that at least five people have been killed and dozens of others injured in violent protests following a recent police-involved death of a local attorney. The deceased man was reportedly tasered and forcibly subdued during his arrest and later died of his injuries at a local hospital. The subsequent protests have been centered in Villa Luz in Engativá, and police have reported more than 30 officers have been injured during the unrest. Hundreds of protesters clashed with officers outside the police post where the man was arrested. More than 40 such posts, small police stations dotted across the city, many of which consist of only one room, were attacked and 17 were burnt down.

A heightened security presence and overland transport disruptions are expected in the vicinity of any protest, and further protests are likely in the coming days. 

Context

Although the Bogota Metropolitan Police Department has expressed regrets over the death and has pledged to investigate the matter, video footage showing two officers forcibly subduing Ordonez has drawn significant condemnation from social media users in Colombia. After his arrest, Ordonez was transported to a clinic where he subsequently died.

Advice

Those in Bogota are advised to closely monitor developments, avoid all protests and large public gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.