Colombia President Gustavo Petro addresses supporters during a rally he called to back his labor and health reform proposals, which have struggled to gain legislative approval. Watch in for more details!

Colombia's President urges people to protest against opposition

Thousands of Colombians protested against President Gustavo Petro despite his peace negotiation efforts with armed groups. Watch in for more details!

Thousands take to street in Colombia against president Petro

The UN rights chief voiced alarm Sunday at deadly clashes in the Colombian city of Cali, calling for an independent investigation and accountability for the violence.

Pointing to reports that 14 people had died since Friday amid massive anti-government protests in&nbsp;Colombia's third-largest city, Michelle Bachelet said a swift investigation and resumption of dialogue was needed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombian-army-tightens-grip-on-cali-after-protests-leave-13-dead-388320">Colombian army tightens grip on Cali after protests leave 13 dead</a>

"It is essential that all those who are reportedly involved in causing injury or death, including state officials, are subject to prompt, effective, independent, impartial and transparent investigations and that those responsible are held accountable," the UN High Commissioner said in a statement.

Her comments came after the Colombian army on Saturday tightened its control over Cali, a city of 2.2 million after clashes pitted police against armed civilians.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-calls-for-dialogue-with-protest-leaders-383372">Colombia calls for dialogue with protest leaders</a>

The country is in the second month of protests against the government of President Ivan Duque.

Officials have said the month of protests had left at least 59 people dead, and that more than 2,300 civilians and uniformed personnel have been injured.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-march-in-colombia-in-fourth-day-of-protests-against-tax-plan-382111">Thousands march in Colombia in fourth day of protests against tax plan</a>

The NGO Human Rights Watch cited "credible reports" of at least 63 deaths nationwide, and called the situation in Cali "very serious."

Bachelet's office cited reports that 14 people had been killed in Cali since Friday, and 98 had been injured, including 54 by firearms.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-ups-deployment-of-security-forces-to-cali-amid-violence-381886">Colombia ups deployment of security forces to Cali amid violence</a>

The dead in Cali included an off-duty employee of the prosecutor's office who had fired his gun at two protesters blocking a street, killing one of them. Video on social media shows a crowd then pouncing on the shooter and lynching him.

The rights office also pointed to reports of private individuals firing shots at demonstrators in the presence of police officers in parts of the city.

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"These events are all the more concerning given the progress that had been made to resolve, through dialogue, the social unrest that erupted a month ago, following the start of a nation-wide strike against several social and economic policies of the government," the UN rights chief said.

"I call for an end to all forms of violence, including vandalism, and for all sides to continue talking to each other, and to ensure respect for the life and dignity of all people,” she said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-sends-military-to-western-province-after-four-die-during-protests-388138">Colombia sends military to western province after four die during protests</a>

Bachelet, a former Chilean president, stressed that only dialogue could resolve the demands of different groups on both sides.

"I welcome the commitment voiced by several actors, in Cali and at the national level, to find a negotiated and peaceful solution to the social unrest through talks," she said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/locals-continue-demonstrations-as-colombia-protests-complete-one-month-387958">Locals continue demonstrations as Colombia protests complete one month</a>

The UN rights office also said it had received information of at least 30 people arrested in Cali since Friday, and highlighted concerns about the whereabouts of some of them.

"The fair trial and due process rights of those detained need to be ensured," Bachelet said.

She also stressed the need to take all necessary measures in line with international human rights standards to prevent disappearances.

The UN rights chief voiced alarm Sunday at deadly clashes in the Colombian city of Cali, calling for an independent investigation and accountability for the violence.

The UN rights chief voiced alarm Sunday at deadly clashes in the Colombian city of Cali, calling for an independent investigation and accountability for the violence. Pointing to reports that 14 people had died since Friday amid massive anti-government protests in Colombia's third-largest city, Michelle Bachelet said a swift investigation and resumption of dialogue was needed. Also Read | Colombian army tightens grip on Cali after protests leave 13 dead "It is essential that all those who are reportedly involved in causing injury or death, including state officials, are subject to prompt, effective, independent, impartial and transparent investigations and that those responsible are held accountable," the UN High Commissioner said in a statement. Her comments came after the Colombian army on Saturday tightened its control over Cali, a city of 2.2 million after clashes pitted police against armed civilians. Also Read | Colombia calls for dialogue with protest leaders The country is in the second month of protests against the government of President Ivan Duque. Officials have said the month of protests had left at least 59 people dead, and that more than 2,300 civilians and uniformed personnel have been injured. Also Read | Thousands march in Colombia in fourth day of protests against tax plan The NGO Human Rights Watch cited "credible reports" of at least 63 deaths nationwide, and called the situation in Cali "very serious." Bachelet's office cited reports that 14 people had been killed in Cali since Friday, and 98 had been injured, including 54 by firearms. Also Read | Colombia ups deployment of security forces to Cali amid violence The dead in Cali included an off-duty employee of the prosecutor's office who had fired his gun at two protesters blocking a street, killing one of them. Video on social media shows a crowd then pouncing on the shooter and lynching him. The rights office also pointed to reports of private individuals firing shots at demonstrators in the presence of police officers in parts of the city. "These events are all the more concerning given the progress that had been made to resolve, through dialogue, the social unrest that erupted a month ago, following the start of a nation-wide strike against several social and economic policies of the government," the UN rights chief said. "I call for an end to all forms of violence, including vandalism, and for all sides to continue talking to each other, and to ensure respect for the life and dignity of all people,” she said. Also Read | Colombia sends military to western province after four die during protests Bachelet, a former Chilean president, stressed that only dialogue could resolve the demands of different groups on both sides. "I welcome the commitment voiced by several actors, in Cali and at the national level, to find a negotiated and peaceful solution to the social unrest through talks," she said. Also Read | Locals continue demonstrations as Colombia protests complete one month The UN rights office also said it had received information of at least 30 people arrested in Cali since Friday, and highlighted concerns about the whereabouts of some of them. "The fair trial and due process rights of those detained need to be ensured," Bachelet said. She also stressed the need to take all necessary measures in line with international human rights standards to prevent disappearances.

UN rights chief urges independent probe into deaths in Colombia

Thousands of indigenous people demonstrated in southwestern Colombia demanding an end to violence, on the day commemorating Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas.

Thousands demonstrated in South-Western Columbia to end Colombian violence

As Colombia burnt with protests, the country's Defence Minister apologised on behalf of the national police and administration for police brutality.

The country erupted in protests after the death of a detained man. These protests have lit the cities of Bohota and Soacha on fire. Several hundreds have been injured, while 13 people have lost their lives.

"The national police apologize for any violation of the law or ignorance of regulations by any members of the institution," Defence Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said in a video message Friday morning.

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La <a href="https://twitter.com/PoliciaColombia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PoliciaColombia</a> pide perdón por cualquier violación a la Ley o desconocimiento de los reglamentos en que haya incurrido cualquiera de los miembros de la Institución. <a href="https://t.co/isBULI8qfd">pic.twitter.com/isBULI8qfd</a>
— Carlos Holmes Trujillo (@CarlosHolmesTru) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarlosHolmesTru/status/1304440177373466630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The protests started after a 46-year-old man, Javier Ordonez, was&nbsp;repeatedly shocked with a stun gun by police while he was pinned to the ground and kept begging to stop with cries of 'Please, no more'. The incident was caught on a video and was widely circulated in the country, which led to the wide outrage. Ordonez, later, died in the hospital where he was undergoing treatment.

President Ivan Duque said on Friday evening that all the deaths would be investigated swiftly and no abuse by security forces would be tolerated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-death-toll-rises-to-10-in-rioting-over-police-killing-326730">Also read|&nbsp;Colombia: Death toll rises to 10 in rioting over police killing</a>

Police said Ordonez was found drinking alcohol in the street with friends in violation of coronavirus distancing rules. Two police officers implicated in Ordonez's death have been fired and face charges of abusing authority and homicide. A further five officers connected to his death have been suspended.

Urging his citizens to exercise peace, Duque said during his nightly television broadcast,&nbsp;"We will work quickly so the events in which their loved ones died can have not only clarification but model sentences."

Hundreds of protestors have been injured in the clash between the police and locals. Around 200 police officers have also been injured.&nbsp;At least 60 police stations have been vandalized, as well as dozens of public transport vehicles. Some 140 people have been arrested for vandalism, Duque said.

As Colombia burnt with protests, the country's Defence Minister apologised on behalf of the national police and administration for police brutality. The country erupted in protests after the death of a detained man.

As Colombia burnt with protests, the country's Defence Minister apologised on behalf of the national police and administration for police brutality. The country erupted in protests after the death of a detained man. These protests have lit the cities of Bohota and Soacha on fire. Several hundreds have been injured, while 13 people have lost their lives. "The national police apologize for any violation of the law or ignorance of regulations by any members of the institution," Defence Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said in a video message Friday morning. La @PoliciaColombia pide perdón por cualquier violación a la Ley o desconocimiento de los reglamentos en que haya incurrido cualquiera de los miembros de la Institución. pic.twitter.com/isBULI8qfd — Carlos Holmes Trujillo (@CarlosHolmesTru) September 11, 2020 × The protests started after a 46-year-old man, Javier Ordonez, was repeatedly shocked with a stun gun by police while he was pinned to the ground and kept begging to stop with cries of 'Please, no more'. The incident was caught on a video and was widely circulated in the country, which led to the wide outrage. Ordonez, later, died in the hospital where he was undergoing treatment. President Ivan Duque said on Friday evening that all the deaths would be investigated swiftly and no abuse by security forces would be tolerated. Also read| Colombia: Death toll rises to 10 in rioting over police killing Police said Ordonez was found drinking alcohol in the street with friends in violation of coronavirus distancing rules. Two police officers implicated in Ordonez's death have been fired and face charges of abusing authority and homicide. A further five officers connected to his death have been suspended. Urging his citizens to exercise peace, Duque said during his nightly television broadcast, "We will work quickly so the events in which their loved ones died can have not only clarification but model sentences." Hundreds of protestors have been injured in the clash between the police and locals. Around 200 police officers have also been injured. At least 60 police stations have been vandalized, as well as dozens of public transport vehicles. Some 140 people have been arrested for vandalism, Duque said.

Colombia: Defence Minister apologises for police brutality; vows justice

Riot police firing tear gas and stun grenades clashed with rock-throwing demonstrators in Bogota Tuesday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/national-strike-converges-on-colombias-congress-amidst-outrage-over-tax-reform-268774">anti-government protests</a> resumed across Colombia, leaving 11 people injured and nearly 100 arrested.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colombian-artists-band-with-protesters-in-call-for-change-269615">Protests </a>also took place in other major cities including Cali and Medellin, and nationwide the authorities recorded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colombia-joined-the-global-wave-of-unrest-267267">165 marches, rallies or road blockages</a>, police chief Oscar Atehortua said. Most of the arrests were in Bogota and 10 of the 11 injured were police, he said.

The Bogota events started in the late afternoon as a traditional pot-banging demonstration of the kind common in Latin America and late last year when protests first erupted against conservative President Ivan Duque's 17-month-old government.

What began as a general strike has morphed into a wider display of discontent over his economic policies, unemployment, political corruption and drug-financed violence.

Security forces were still deployed in the old quarter of Bogota as night fell Tuesday. Mayor Claudia Lopez said the day had been mostly peaceful, although in some neighbourhoods small groups turned violent.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ten-of-thousands-of-protesters-mark-third-national-strike-in-colombia-266423">Ten of thousands of protesters mark third national strike in Colombia</a>

<img alt="Colombia protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43365845-c793-436f-8303-b982259a4d65" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2841%29_1.jpg" />| 
[ Protestors in Colombia (Courtesy: AFP) ]

In the city centre, a 60-year-old woman named Flor Calderon stood between protesters and riot police, asking officers to let the procession move forward.

"This is a fight for you and your children's children because this country is a mess," she said to police, waving a white flag.

Lopez, who took office on January 1, has set up procedures to try to prevent violence at demonstrations, which have left four people dead since they began on November 21.

About 500 people have been injured and around 200 arrested. Many protesters feel that efforts to end the decades-long armed conflict with the country's FARC rebels have detracted from progress in other areas of society.

They also want Duque to dismantle the feared ESMAD riot police, widely criticized for its heavy-handed response to demonstrations. Duque has yielded to some of the other demands on tax reform, announcing the refund of Value Added Tax to the poorest 20 per cent of the population and benefits for companies that hire young people.

The president defended what he called "a national conversation" with various sectors of society to try to find a way out of the stand-off.

Riot police firing tear gas and stun grenades clashed with rock-throwing demonstrators in Bogota Tuesday as anti-government protests resumed across Colombia, leaving 11 people injured and nearly 100 arrested.

Riot police firing tear gas and stun grenades clashed with rock-throwing demonstrators in Bogota Tuesday as anti-government protests resumed across Colombia, leaving 11 people injured and nearly 100 arrested. Protests also took place in other major cities including Cali and Medellin, and nationwide the authorities recorded 165 marches, rallies or road blockages, police chief Oscar Atehortua said. Most of the arrests were in Bogota and 10 of the 11 injured were police, he said. The Bogota events started in the late afternoon as a traditional pot-banging demonstration of the kind common in Latin America and late last year when protests first erupted against conservative President Ivan Duque's 17-month-old government. What began as a general strike has morphed into a wider display of discontent over his economic policies, unemployment, political corruption and drug-financed violence. Security forces were still deployed in the old quarter of Bogota as night fell Tuesday. Mayor Claudia Lopez said the day had been mostly peaceful, although in some neighbourhoods small groups turned violent. Also Read: Ten of thousands of protesters mark third national strike in Colombia | [ Protestors in Colombia (Courtesy: AFP) ] In the city centre, a 60-year-old woman named Flor Calderon stood between protesters and riot police, asking officers to let the procession move forward. "This is a fight for you and your children's children because this country is a mess," she said to police, waving a white flag. Lopez, who took office on January 1, has set up procedures to try to prevent violence at demonstrations, which have left four people dead since they began on November 21. About 500 people have been injured and around 200 arrested. Many protesters feel that efforts to end the decades-long armed conflict with the country's FARC rebels have detracted from progress in other areas of society. They also want Duque to dismantle the feared ESMAD riot police, widely criticized for its heavy-handed response to demonstrations. Duque has yielded to some of the other demands on tax reform, announcing the refund of Value Added Tax to the poorest 20 per cent of the population and benefits for companies that hire young people. The president defended what he called "a national conversation" with various sectors of society to try to find a way out of the stand-off.

Protests in Colombia return; anti-government sentiment running amok

Colombian artists banded together in Medellin on Sunday for a concert to rally protesters calling for socio-economic change in the country. #WION #Colombia #Colombiaprotest

Colombian artists band with protesters in call for change

Colombian unions, student groups and other protesters converged outside the country's Congress on Monday (December 16) against rumoured economic reform plans that critics argue give businesses too many tax breaks.

National strike converges on Colombia's Congress amidst outrage over tax reform

Colombian unions and student groups will hold their second&nbsp;national&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in less than a week&nbsp;on Wednesday in honour of a dead demonstrator and&nbsp;protest rumoured government economic plans, corruption and police violence.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-in-colombia-protest-against-policies-of-president-ivan-duque-263769">series of&nbsp;protests</a>&nbsp;began last&nbsp;week&nbsp;with a 250,000-person march and a nationwide&nbsp;strike.

Demonstrators are rallying against economic plans - like a rise in the pension age and a cut to the minimum wage for young people - that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-president-ivan-duque-to-meet-protest-leaders-264602">President Ivan Duque</a> denies supporting, as well what they say is a lack of government action to stop corruption and the murder of hundreds of human rights activists.

Marches have attracted thousands of peaceful demonstrators, but Thursday and Friday were also marked by the destruction of mass transit stations, curfews in Cali and Bogota and the deaths of three people in connection with alleged looting.

Saturday's marches took a dark turn when 18-year-old protester Dilan Cruz was fatally injured by a tear gas canister fired by the ESMAD riot police.

Cruz died on Monday and has become a symbol for protesters, who allege the ESMAD are using excessive force in their crowd dispersion efforts.

The&nbsp;National&nbsp;Strike&nbsp;Committee, comprised of major unions and student organizations, is demanding the government dissolve the force and "purify" the police.

Talks between the committee and the government have stalled amid union demands Duque meet with them without the presence of business leaders or other groups.

The committee has also demanded a rejection of the government's tax reform proposal, which includes a cut in business duties.

Duque announced several changes to the proposal this&nbsp;week&nbsp;at the cost of some $930 million - including the return of value-added tax to the poorest 20 per cent&nbsp;of&nbsp;Colombians and lower contributions to healthcare by minimum wage pensioners.

Meanwhile, his promise to hold a social issues-focused&nbsp;national&nbsp;dialogue through March has sparked derision among marchers and opposition politicians, who see it as a tepid response to growing discontent.

Duque's administration has been plagued by problems during his nearly 16 months in office, including a combative congress, low approval ratings and unsuccessful legislative efforts.

Colombian unions and student groups will hold their second national strike in less than a week on Wednesday in honour of a dead demonstrator and protest rumoured government economic plans, corruption and police violence.

Colombian unions and student groups will hold their second national strike in less than a week on Wednesday in honour of a dead demonstrator and protest rumoured government economic plans, corruption and police violence. The series of protests began last week with a 250,000-person march and a nationwide strike. Demonstrators are rallying against economic plans - like a rise in the pension age and a cut to the minimum wage for young people - that President Ivan Duque denies supporting, as well what they say is a lack of government action to stop corruption and the murder of hundreds of human rights activists. Marches have attracted thousands of peaceful demonstrators, but Thursday and Friday were also marked by the destruction of mass transit stations, curfews in Cali and Bogota and the deaths of three people in connection with alleged looting. Saturday's marches took a dark turn when 18-year-old protester Dilan Cruz was fatally injured by a tear gas canister fired by the ESMAD riot police. Cruz died on Monday and has become a symbol for protesters, who allege the ESMAD are using excessive force in their crowd dispersion efforts. The National Strike Committee, comprised of major unions and student organizations, is demanding the government dissolve the force and "purify" the police. Talks between the committee and the government have stalled amid union demands Duque meet with them without the presence of business leaders or other groups. The committee has also demanded a rejection of the government's tax reform proposal, which includes a cut in business duties. Duque announced several changes to the proposal this week at the cost of some $930 million - including the return of value-added tax to the poorest 20 per cent of Colombians and lower contributions to healthcare by minimum wage pensioners. Meanwhile, his promise to hold a social issues-focused national dialogue through March has sparked derision among marchers and opposition politicians, who see it as a tepid response to growing discontent. Duque's administration has been plagued by problems during his nearly 16 months in office, including a combative congress, low approval ratings and unsuccessful legislative efforts.

Colombia holds another national strike as week of protests rolls on

Thousands of protestors defy curfew as anti-government rallies continue in Colombia