Colombia seeks to tighten checks on public protests

Colombia's government has unveiled a draft decree aimed at strengthening regulations surrounding public protests. The proposed changes arrive as labor unions and social organizations prepare for regional protests in the lead-up to a national strike scheduled for November. The draft seeks to amend Decree #3 of 2021, which was enacted months prior to a national strike that was brutally quelled by police and military forces.

In a bid to avert a recurrence of violence, the decree proposes to outline authorities' protocols for managing protests and the use of force in reaction to vandalism and violent acts. The decree also emphasizes the importance of dialogue between protesters and law enforcement agencies to ensure the peaceful nature of demonstrations.

Furthermore, it imposes restrictions on the utilization of police intelligence against individuals involved in organizing or participating in protests. Lastly, the decree aims to ensure the proper prosecution of those detained during protests by enhancing surveillance and maintaining a steady police presence. The decree emerges amidst heightened social tensions that have escalated since far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella assumed office in August.

De la Espriella introduced counterrevolutionary measures aimed at reversing reforms implemented by his leftist predecessor, former President Gustavo Petro. Student demonstrations have been accused of being incited by insurgencies, and De la Espriella has threatened that police may enter universities if evidence emerges that they were utilized to orchestrate acts of vandalism or terrorism.