In this article, Jardar explains the situation in Colombia.
Photo Credit: Remezcla
On 28th April a nationwide strike started in Colombia. They are opposing the Ivan Duque government and are protesting. The government has answered by sending in the national guards to deal with the protest.
In April Ivan Duque introduced a tax reform where citizens have to pay a 19% tax on basic everyday needs. That is a huge problem for Colombians because the country has a huge wealth gap problem, and many Colombians have been struggling financially even before the introduction of the tax. The corona restrictions have also contributed for to the inequality of wealth in Colombia.
Colombians decided to go on the streets to protest with huge demonstrations in cities like Bogota, Medellin and Cali. They demanded the government to have tax and healthcare reform and make the finance minister Alberto Carrasquilla resign. They also demand basic income for Colombians and better opportunities for youths and end police brutality on protest. The government doesn't listen to the protesters' demands. They have ordered the national guard to interfere in the demonstration. On 28th May, Ivan Duque ordered 7000 officers to interfere with the demonstration. The national guard are attacking peaceful demonstrators and many videos have been posted on social media showing these injustices. In the first weeks around 24 people were killed, 76 journalists assaulted and 800 hurt at the hands of the national guard. Large part of the attacks is happening in the city of Cali.
The international community has demanded the Colombian authorities to take actions to stop this attack on protesters, as it is an attack on freedom of speech and their democracy.
Sources:
Progresiv international(05.05.2021) Sos Colomia https://progressive.international/wire/2021-05-05-sos-colombia/en
Tv 2 (29.05.2021) Colombias regjering setter inn militæret mot demonstrasjoner https://www.tv2.no/a/14029678/
Tv 2 (06.05.2021) Nye protester I Colombia https://www.tv2.no/a/13985588/
Reuters.com (29.05.2021) Colombia sends military to western province after four die during protests https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombia-marks-month-protests-talks-with-government-stall-2021-05-28/