Colombia: Anti-government protests planned in several locations, Oct. 22

Event

Activists, affiliated with several organizations including the National Roundtable for Freedom (Mesa Nacional por la Libertad) plan to hold protests in multiple locations throughout Colombia Oct. 22 to oppose the policies of the national government.

The largest demonstration is likely to occur in Bogota, where activists plan to gather at Parque Nacional, starting at 10:00, and from there march to Plaza de Bolivar.

Other marches have been confirmed in the following locations, most of them starting at 10:00:

• Barranquilla: From Parque de los Musicos to Estadio Olimpico Romelio Martinez

• Bucaramanga: From Intercambiador Puerta del Sol (intersection of Carrera 27 and Calle 58) to Plazoleta Luis Carlos Galan

• Cali: From Museo La Tertulia to Plazoleta Jairo Varela

• Cartagena: Rally at Camellon de los Martires

• Cucuta: From Centro Comercial Ventura to Parque Santander

• Medellin: From Estadio subway station to Parque de las Luces

• Pereira: From Centro Comercial Andresito to Plaza de Bolivar

• Santa Marta: Rally outside of the City Hall

• Villavicencio: Rally at Estadio Macal (Estadio Bello Horizonte), starting at 15:00

Some of the demonstrations, especially in Bogota and Medellin, are likely to gather thousands of activists; others are likely to have hundreds of people. Heightened security and transport disruptions are likely throughout the routes of the marches. Counter-protests are possible. Clashes between police and demonstrators, or between opposing groups are unlikely but cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Allow additional time to reach your destination if operating at any of the impacted locations.