Colombian government signs decree criminalizing social protests

The president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, signed a decree that aims to legalize the repression against peaceful demonstrations in the country. The decree was signed just hours before the first demonstration called by sectors of the opposition for this Wednesday. The protests were called by social, student and trade union organizations.

According to the government, the objective is to reinforce control mechanisms and guarantee public order during popular demonstrations.

During a national television broadcast, the Colombian president highlighted that peaceful protest constitutes a “constitutional guarantee”, although he highlighted that this right “does not authorize attacking other citizens, destroying property, threatening workers or preventing access to ambulances and emergency services”.

Among the provisions announced is the permanent monitoring of demonstrations by the authorities. The decree establishes that agents responsible for supervision must maintain a minimum distance of four meters, as part of the control protocols foreseen for these events.

Furthermore, the decree authorizes the intervention of security forces when the possession or use of firearms, bladed weapons, explosives or incendiary devices is detected. It also provides for interventions in cases of people being held against their will or attacks on third parties.

The document includes specific protection for public servants, uniformed personnel, medical missions and journalistic teams, establishing action skills in the face of any attack or threat directed against these sectors during mobilizations.

The Executive also presented other legislative initiatives in its government program, including a bill to combat organized armed groups and an anti-terrorism statute.

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