Colombia’s national strike organizers “are instigators of evil,” claims De la Espriella
Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella called labor unions and social organizations who organized anti-government protests for Wednesday “instigators of evil” who “seek to once again cause chaos.” In an address to the nation, De la Espriella stressed that the security forces were instructed to allow peaceful protests, but warned the protesters that “if they […] The post Colombia’s national…
President Abelardo de la Espriella of Colombia has branded the organizers of anti-government protests as "instigators of evil" who aim to "cause chaos" in the nation. Speaking to the public, he reiterated that security forces would permit peaceful demonstrations, but warned that if protesters plan to "set Colombia ablaze," they would face "the determination of the tiger and his government to take lawful measures—defending the lives, honor, and property of all Colombians."
The protests are set to escalate into a nationwide strike in November, supported by Colombia's political opposition against the far-right government. President de la Espriella vehemently denounced those promoting the strike as the same individuals who had previously "left the country bankrupt, on the brink of a blackout, with the healthcare system in intensive care, energy sovereignty compromised, and public resources plundered and looted." He firmly stated that these individuals are not "fighters for freedom."
In an attempt to prevent the unrest witnessed during the massive strikes in 2019 and 2021, which resulted in 80 deaths, de la Espriella plans to sign a decree regulating public protests. Furthermore, he is anticipated to present an "anti-terrorism statute" to Congress, which could lead to the prosecution of protest organizers under terrorism charges, according to opposition leaders and security experts.
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