Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella called labor unions and social organizations who organized anti-government protests for Wednesday “instigators of evil” who “seek to once again cause chaos.”
In an address to the nation, De la Espriella stressed that the security forces were instructed to allow peaceful protests, but warned the protesters that “if they intend to set Colombia ablaze, they will face the determination of the tiger and his government to do what is lawfully required—which is to defend the lives, honor, and property of all Colombians.”
Wednesday’s protests are a preparation for a national strike that is set to take place in November and is supported by the country’s political opposition to the far-right government.
According to the president, “those who are promoting the strike and seeking to use it to once again cause chaos and destabilize the government are the very same people who left the country bankrupt, on the brink of a blackout, with the healthcare system in intensive care, energy sovereignty compromised, and public resources plundered and looted.”
“They are instigators of evil, not fighter for freedom,” said De la Espriella.
If they intend to set Colombia ablaze, they will face the determination of the tiger and his government to do what is rightfully required—which is to defend the lives, honor, and property of all Colombians.
President Abelardo de la Espriella
The president stressed that he would be signing a decree that regulates public protests in an attempt to avoid the chaos that erupted during massive strikes in 2019 and 2021 an killed 80 people.
De la Espriella additionally is expected to present an “anti-terrorism stature” to Congress, which could see the prosecution of protest organizers on terrorism charges, according to opposition leaders and security experts.
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