Colombia: Nationwide protests planned for September 16 /update 4

Event

The National Strike Committee (Comité Nacional del Paro) called for further nationwide protests on Wednesday, September 16. The National Strike Committee is an umbrella association of multiple unions and student organizations and is calling on residents to gather in parks and outside their residences throughout Colombia at 19:00 (local time) on Wednesday to denounce the security force's perceived excessive use of force.

Unannounced protests are also likely to occur in the coming days, especially in Bogotá. Associated business and transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest, as well as a heightened security presence.

Context

The protests follow the death of law student Javier Ordonez, who is reported to have died after being tasered and forcibly subdued by police officers whilst being arrested for allegedly violating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. Although the Bogotá Metropolitan Police Department has expressed regrets over the death and suspended two of the officers involved pending an investigation, video footage showing officers forcibly subduing Ordonez has been widely shared on social media in the country and drawn significant condemnation.

Advice

Those in Colombia 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.