Colombian government to answer for ‘excessive’ force used in protests
Colombian government to answer for ‘excessive’ force used in protests
posted by Daniel Freeman
Aug 29, 2013
Human rights defenders announced to be suing the Colombian state for the alleged use of excessive force in clashes with demonstrators involved in mostly rural anti-government protests.
Since the beginning of the agricultural strikes and protests almost two weeks ago, both strikers and the anti-riot police (ESMAD) have reported multiple instances of violence, injuries and deaths.
After a recent flood of photos and videos were posted on Youtube, Facebook and Twitter documenting ESMAD officials stealing from workers, beating unarmed protesters and using excessive force on strikers, attorneys plan to file a lawsuit against the Colombian government while citizens and government officials alike are finally demanding answers.
The first lawsuit arose due to alleged instances of unnecessary brutality on the part of ESMAD that caused the death of a protester after a skirmish between the anti-riot police and protesters on Tuesday evening in the town of Facatativa, Cundinamarca.
“We will seek to identify what were the motives that killed Triana, and second, we will make it seen how the fact of excessive force caused the death of a farmer,” representing attorney Victor Hidalgo told press.
More:
http://colombiareports.co/colombian-government-sued-for-abuse-of-protesters/