Colombia: Protesters clash with police in Bogota September 9

Event

Protesters have clashed with police in parts of Bogota on Wednesday, September 9, following the recent police-involved death of local attorney Javier Ordonez. Reportedly, protests are centered in Villa Luz in Engativá, where Javier died, and images on social media show protesters attacking the local police station. There have been no immediate reports of casualties amid the protests. 

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.