Defense Minister also acknowledged that 53 raids were made, 98 citizens were arrested and another 207 protesters were “taken” to police stations.
Colombia’s Defense Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo admitted that three people died and 122 civilians were injured during the nationwide strike against President Ivan Duque held on Thursday, when some 622 massive marches, rallies or other forms of protest were held in 350 municipalities.
He also acknowledged that 53 raids were made, 98 citizens were arrested and another 207 protesters were “taken” to police stations.
While authorities were trying to justify police repression as a necessary response to halt “the vandals”, Colombians uploaded videos and photographs in which the police officers’ behavior can be observed.
Social media provided greater and better details of the reasons why a curfew was declared in Cali, a city where residents were not frightened in the face of police repression.
“Security forces acted with legitimate force”, Trujillo insisted and held they helped restore order. “Details surrounding the deaths are also under investigation,” Defense Minister added.
The Nov. 21 national strike was called by the country’s main organizations of workers, farmers, students, and social activists to express growing discontent with Duque’s administration.
This article originally appeared on teleSUR English.
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