At least 11 people were injured, with three journalists attacked by police and 33 people arrested after anti-government protests in Bogota turned violent on Thursday.
The government and civilians disagree on how many people injured, and on why the clashes erupted at the demonstration, though there are widespread reports of police officers using disproportionate force against protesters.
At a press conference, Defense Minister Guillermo Botero said that the hard-right government of President Ivan Duque “respects protest as long as it’s peaceful”, but there have been widespread claims that police attacked both peaceful protesters and journalists near Bogota’s central Simon Bolivar Square.
Defense Minister Guillermo Botero
The government report that only three civilians were injured, while eight police were hurt – none seriously.
Oscar Ramirez, however, reported that at least 15 were injured by police, reporting that officers were throwing rocks at protesters, as well as tear gas. Videos have emerged of ESMAD brutality during the protest.
Colombia’s Press Freedom Foundation (FLIP) condemned the obstruction of journalistic work during the protest, saying that the ESMAD riot police were the responsible body and urging the Bogota police force to ensure press freedom.
Press Freedom Foundation (FLIP)
Two were also arrested in Medellin, though local media reported no violent incidents during the protests in that city.