In Colombia, more than 800 people have been wounded in clashes between police and protesters, with another 80 people missing as massive protests enter their second week.
Since the protests began, at least 19 people have died. According to Colombia’s ombudsman, 18 of those killed were civilians, and one was a police officer.
Why Colombians are protesting?
The protests began on April 28, in opposition of a tax reform that was necessary to alleviate Colombia’s economic crisis, the government claimed.
The largest labor unions organized the protests; but many middle-class citizens who believed that the reforms would push them into poverty also attended.
The plan would have reduced the salary tax rate, impacting those earning more than 2.6 million pesos ($684; £493) a month.
What is the Government’s response?
The government blamed left-wing rebels for the violence; stoked by members of the National Liberation Army (ELN); as well, as Farc guerrilla factions who have refused to accept the 2016 peace deal and disband.
“The violence was systematic, premeditated and financed by criminal organizations.”Defence Minister Diego Molano said.
Meanwhile, President Duque said the government was ready for national dialogue and announced the creation of a “space to listen to citizens and construct solutions”.
The human rights office from United Nations, said on Tuesday that it was “deeply alarmed” by the violence against protesters in the city.
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