The national “stoppage” that brought simmering social conflict into the open started more than two months old, but the brutal repressive tactics used by police against protestors have not abated. That is why we are sending this open letter to Colombia’s leaders:
[translated from original Spanish]
Open letter to Iván Duque Márquez, President of Colombia, and the commanders of the National Police of Colombia
Distinguished Mr. President Iván Duque Márquez
Commanders of the National Police of Colombia
In accordance with the call of social organizations, free citizens and young people to carry out various demonstrations and peaceful protests in the context of the 211th anniversary of the Independence of Colombia, and given the recent history of violent outcomes and alleged abuses of authority mainly by the National Police of Colombia, we urge the Colombian government and local authorities to comply with constitutional rights and civil liberties in the context of free expression, freedom of movement, the right of assembly, but above all the right to life, integrity and dignity.
This call also arises from the various statements made by members of the security forces and authorities warning about the use of force and prohibiting the use of protective elements such as helmets, gloves, goggles and shields, which does not constitute any threat and, on the contrary, seeks to protect those who protest.
The above complaints, made by multiple victims to local, national and international authorities, shows the excessive use of force and the alleged accusations that attempt to criminalize social protest. [read in Spanish]
Sincerely,
Ted, Corina, Ashley, Marco
GX Executive Council