Colombia: Protesters gather in Cali (Valle del Cauca department) September 24

Event

Protesters gathered on Thursday, September 24, in Cali (Valle del Cauca department) to denounce the death of a woman at a military checkpoint in Miranda (Cauca department). Participants are rallying outside of the Pichincha Military Canton on Calle 5. Unconfirmed media sources indicate that police have fired at demonstrators; there have been no immediate reports of injuries. 

Heightened security measures are likely in the vicinity of the ongoing demonstration, and clashes between security forces and protesters are also likely. Localized disruptions are to be anticipated in the area over the near term.

Context

On September 24, a woman was reportedly shot and killed at a military checkpoint in Miranda (Cauca department) after the vehicle she was traveling in, as a passenger, did not stop at the checkpoint. 

The incident comes after fatal protests in Bogota related to the death of law student Javier Ordonez who died while being subdued by police. Ordonez died after being tasered and forcibly subdued by police officers whilst being arrested for alleged breaches of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions in Bogotá on September 8. 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 subduing Ordonez has been widely shared on social media in the country and drawn significant condemnation.

Advice

Those in Cali are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations and gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.