Although the spark that ignited Colombiaâs protests on April 28 was ostensibly tax reform, many are on the streets for reasons that stretch much further back in the countryâs history. As the protests continue for a third week, many are asking not âwhy now?â but âhow did it take this long?â according to Ãscar Almario GarcÃa, a historian who teaches at the National University of Colombia.
Classism and racism against indigenous groups are âan open and bleeding wound,â he said in a telephone interview with EL PAÃS. âWhat we are hearing now are demands that come from centuries of denial and exclusion. The call to recognize distinct forms of racism has been repressed in this country.â
Human rights organizations have denounced numerous police abuses and give a higher death toll, while the international community is calling for dialogue.
Updated EXPLAINER: Why are people protesting across Colombia?
BUCARAMANGA, Colombia (AP) Thousands of Colombians have protested across the country against a government they feel has long ignored their needs, allowed corruption to run rampant and is so out of touch that it proposed tax increases during the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite virus lockdown orders, protesters have turned out in more than half of Colombia’s municipalities since last week for mostly peaceful protest against the administration of President Iván Duque. But violence during some demonstrations has resulted in 26 people dead, including a police officer, and more than 800 people injured, according to government figures.
Here s why people are protesting across Colombia
Thousands of Colombians have protested across the country against a government they feel has long ignored their needs, allowed corruption to run rampant and is so out of touch that it proposed tax increases during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The Associated Press ·
Posted: May 08, 2021 6:21 PM ET | Last Updated: May 8
A demonstrator takes part in a protest in Bogota on Thursday demanding government action to tackle poverty, police violence and inequalities in the health and education systems.(Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters)