Colombian citizens hold placards reading “SOS Colombia” during a demonstration against President Ivan Duque’s government in Barcelona, on May 5, 2021. – Colombia braced for a new day of protests against President Ivan Duque following a week of deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces that brought international condemnation.
According to official figures, at least 24 people have died — 18 of whom were shot — with more than 800 others wounded and 89 people reported missing during the week.Reporters Without Borders meanwhile said that 76 journalists were assaulted, 10 of whom were injured by security forces. Thousands, most wearing face masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19, gathered at the downtown Plaza Bolivar near the presidential headquarters. Police prevented one group from entering Congress.Another 8,000 people took to the streets of Medellin, Colombia’s second-largest city, by mid-morning.Despite recent calls for calm from the international community, fresh havoc was wreaked in the capital overnight.
The aftermath of the clashes was visible Wednesday in the form of torched police stations, vandalized bus shelters and banks and smouldering tires. The social unrest comes just over a month ahead of the start of the Copa America, jointly hosted by Colombia and Argentina.
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