A series of abuses, including murders, illegal detentions and torture, have been perpetrated against those organizing the ‘National Days of Protest’ in Colombia this week.
The violence against those planning the protests began in August and is continuing, according to the ‘Francisco Isaías Cifuentes’ human rights network which operates in southwest Colombia. Trade unionists, student activists and agricultural leaders have been targeted in a series of coordinated attacks by the Colombian Army and state-backed paramilitary groups.
It is feared that the protests themselves may also be marred by further attacks by the security forces and the organization Justice for Colombia is asking Canadian supporters to take action by emailing the Colombian ambassador in Ottawa. Supporters should demand that the right to peaceful protest be respected and that the human rights of those organizing and participating in the events be respected.