Colombia: Protesters clash with police in Bogotá during strikes January 21 /update 21

Violence in Bogotá during nationwide strikes on January 21; further demonstrations likely in the near term
Read all related news alert(s):
Colombia: Unions confirm March 25 nationwide strike /update 24
Colombia: Union announces February 21 Bogotá protest amid nationwide demonstrations Feb. 21-Mar. 25 /update 23
Colombia: Several nationwide demonstrations planned February 21, March 8, 16, 25 /update 22
Colombia: Unions call for nationwide strike January 21 /update 20
Colombia: Nationwide protests scheduled December 31 – January 1 /update 19
Colombia: Unions announce nationwide protests December 16 /update 18
Colombia: Protests called in Bogota and nationwide December 13 /update 17
Colombia: Fresh nationwide protests called December 11 /update 16
Colombia: Nationwide protests continue December 10 /update 15
Colombia: Nationwide strike and protests scheduled for December 9-10 /update 14
Colombia: Nationwide strike scheduled for December 4 /update 13
Colombia: Nationwide strike scheduled for December 4 /update 12
Colombia: Additional nationwide protests scheduled November 28 – 30 /update 11
Colombia: Labor unions call for nationwide general strike November 27 /update 10
Colombia: Nationwide protest scheduled November 26 /update 9
Colombia: Opposition activists plan nationwide protests November 25 /update 8
Colombia: Hundreds of demonstrators dispersed in Bogotá as protests continue November 23 /update 7
Colombia: Nationwide protests continue November 22 /update 6
Colombia: Three dead amid nationwide opposition protests November 21 /update 5
Colombia: Rioting reported in Santander department November 21 /update 4
Colombia: Hundreds of thousands participate in nationwide protests November 21 /update 3
Colombia: Government increases security measures ahead of protests and general strike on November 21 /update 2
Colombia: Air traffic controllers to join national strike November 21 /update 1
Colombia: Nationwide opposition protests scheduled November 21
Event
Nationwide strikes and demonstrations organized by the National Committee of Unemployment were held in Colombia on Tuesday, January 21, with incidents of violence occurring in some cities. According to government officials, an estimated 20,000 people in 103 cities and towns participated in the protests. In the capital Bogotá, 20 separate and largely peaceful rallies were held, except in two cases where police clashed with “hooded men.” According to media reports, some protesters threw rocks at the police officers and set tires on fire to block roads. Security forces used tear gas in some areas to disperse the demonstrators.
Large street protests also took place in Cali, Medellín, and Barranquilla, among other cities. In Medellín, people were peacefully marching until a group of unidentified men began attacking police officers, who responded by throwing tear gas at the crowds. At least 94 people were arrested throughout the country during the demonstrations and ten police officers were wounded.
Further nationwide strike and protests are expected in the coming months. The National Committee of Unemployment is planning to hold another national meeting on Thursday, January 30, and Friday, January 31, to plan future mobilizations. According to a statement from the group, a nationwide general strike is likely to be held in March.
Context
Several unions and civil society groups have been organizing nationwide protests and strikes since November 21 to protest the policies of President Iván Duque's administration, including the alleged support of unpopular economic plans and the perceived lack of government action to counter killings of human rights activists and rein in corruption. Heightened security measures were previously approved across Colombia in anticipation of the protests, permitting local authorities to implement curfews and restrict civilian movement.
Advice
Individuals in Colombia are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor the situation, and obey instructions issued by local authorities.
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