Colombia’s government published a draft decree that seeks to tighten regulations on public protests.
The draft was published weeks before labor unions and social organizations plan regional anti-government protests ahead of a national strike that is set for November.
The draft seeks to update the Decree #3 of 2021, which was issued months before a national strike that was violently repressed by the police and the military.
In an attempt to prevent another bloodbath, the decree seeks to regulate authorities’ response to protests and the coordinated use of force in response to acts of vandalism and violence.
The decree regulates dialogue between the protesters and law enforcement authorities to promote the peaceful nature of protests.
The decree additionally limits the use of police intelligence against those organizing and participating in the protests.
Last but not least, the decree seeks the effective prosecution of those arrested during protests through increased surveillance and a permanent police presence.
The decree comes amid social tensions that surged after the far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella took office in August and announced counterrevolutionary measures that seek to undo reforms by his leftist predecessor, former President Gustavo Petro.
Swelling student protests have been publicly accused of being fueled by insurgencies and De la Espriella has warned that police may enter universities if they find evidence they are used to prepare acts of vandalism or terrorism.
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