Colombian citizens protest against government amid heightened violent crackdown

The massive anti-government protests that have erupted in several Latin American countries have boiled over into Colombia as thousands have taken to the streets in recent days, sparking fear and violence throughout the country.

The protests, which began on the 21^st of November, in central Bogota, have been mostly nonviolence and peaceful, but the government of President Ivan Duque Marquez has taken an aggressive stance against the movement.

Security forces have used tear gas and other repressive methods to end the protests, which have disrupted and somewhat paralyzed the city for nearly a week. At least one person, a 18-year-old high school student, Dilan Cruz has died. However, some reports have put the death toll at three.

David Torres, a 30-year-old master’s student studying chemistry in Bogota, explained that there have been “many abuses from authorities” against demonstrators. He participated in one of the first rallies.

“The atmosphere is hopeful because people saw the results in Chile, and also they can see the abuses of police and the fear that authorities spread, especially on Friday, in his social media handle on twitter, Torres said,

“But there is some uncertainty because the government does not decide to speak with the citizens and also keeps such an aggressive position. The mood among protesters is “hopeful,” but they are also worried, Torres added that people will continue to strike, despite the continued government crackdown

About 250,000 anti-government demonstrators, including students, teachers and working-class union members have rattled Colombia when they took to the streets last week and voiced their strong opposition to Duque’s conservative policies. It’s the largest protest Colombia has seen in years.

Unlike the protests in countries across Latin America, which are driven by the steep drop in commodity prices, there is no one single issue that is motivating Colombians to mobilize against the incumbent government.

Sergio Guzman, director of Colombia Risk Analysis, said the unfocused nature of the protest movement will make it difficult for it to negotiate with the government.

“The protesters are a hodgepodge of people with so many different agendas that it will be difficult to find a common narrative,” he explained