The Commander of Police in the department of Meta on Thursday told Radio Caracol that after several mediations with authorities, protesting peasants have released 21 detained police officers who were taken whilst providing security in the area.
Colonel Fabio Lopez explained how the officers were taken, before insisting that they had been treated well.
“There was a time during which the peasants lacked coordination and at this time the police officers became caught in the midst of the protests,” explained Lopez.
The police commander also indicated that the road block in Buenavista, a key transit route in the department of Quindio, is set to be cleared today.
“Today we will have a meeting to clear the track and enable traffic to flow in both directions,” said Lopez.
Nationwide anti government protests involving numerous sectors have been ongoing since August 19. Those protesting include coffee farmers, miners, truckers, health workers and rice growers.
MORE: Who in Colombia is striking against the government and why?
Sources
Campesinos liberan a 21 policías retenidos en la vía Bogotá- Villavicencio (Caracol Radio)