Colombians, fearing for rights, march against right-wing president

Thousands of Colombians took to the streets of various cities on Wednesday, protesting the policies of newly elected right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella. The opposition, including labour unions, teachers' organisations, student groups and opposition parties, organized the nationwide demonstrations. The protests began peacefully, but escalated in some areas as night fell, with riot police deploying water cannons and tear gas.

The protests, led by former left-wing president Gustavo Petro, mark the first significant show of force by the opposition since de la Espriella assumed office in August. De la Espriella vowed to combat crime and eradicate narco-terrorists during his campaign.

Trade unionists, Indigenous Colombians, students and feminists gathered for a rally in Bogota, led by former president Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella's critics accuse him of endangering the country's fragile peace process, threatening minority rights and showing an authoritarian streak. The president issued a decree granting authorities greater powers to crack down on demonstrations, a move his opponents termed an attempt to silence critics.

Opposition senator Maria Eugenia Londono reported "heavy repressive deployments" in various locations around the country, from Bogota to Popayan, Cauca and Ibague. In Bogota, protest leader Ana Teresa Bernal accused riot police of attacking groups of young people and musicians with stun grenades and water cannons.

Leftists fear that de la Espriella's presidency may reverse recent advances in labor conditions and educational access, which were championed by his predecessor, Petro. Teacher Ester Guerra, 32, expressed concern, saying "we are about to lose what we gained".

De la Espriella is a divisive figure, celebrated by conservatives for his efforts against guerrilla groups, but criticized for endangering peace, threatening minority rights and displaying authoritarian tendencies. He has restored diplomatic relations with Israel, recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and is a staunch US ally, actions that have drawn strong disapproval from protesters.