Iván Duque authorizes militarization of vandalized towns in national strike

This Saturday evening, President Iván Duque authorized the military assistance in towns in public order for the latest protests against tax reform.

<< In accordance with the framework policy of coexistence and security of citizens as supreme commander of the armed forces, the figure of military assistance will remain in force in urban centers where there is a high risk for the integrity of citizens and where it is necessary to use the full capacity of the state to protect the population ", assured the president.

Likewise, he said military assistance is enshrined in law and will be maintained in coordination with mayors and governors until the events of serious public order cease.

The Head of State insisted that the demonstrations in different parts of the country reflect a democracy that is mobilizing peacefully and expressing itself freely, “However, I also want to send a clear warning to those who through violence, vandalism and terrorism seek to intimidate society and believe that through this mechanism they will bend institutions.”.

Duque stressed that he will not allow assault, destruction of public and private property or the hate message to have a place. “We have the responsibility to move our country forward together united, mayors, governors, judges, prosecutors, businessmen, traders and citizens”.

In his speech, he explained that the military forces that will take to the streets are trained to act in urban contexts and will support the work of the National Police in its deployment and action, which “will continue to be done within the framework of the law and in full compliance with international human rights standards and will be subject to control by constitutional bodies ”.

“My obligation as President of the Republic is to guarantee the right to protest, mobility, the right to work and security throughout the national territory. Let us not forget that we are in the midst of a pandemic which continues to claim the lives of thousands of Colombians and we must continue to take care of ourselves, this is not the time for divisions, on the contrary, it is time to be united ”, Iván Duque.

Here is President Iván Duque’s speech:

That same Saturday, the Minister of Defense, Diego Molano Aponte, assured that FARC dissidents participate in demonstrations in Cali, who would be the real culprits of the acts of vandalism recorded over the past three days.

Through a series of messages posted via his Twitter account, the security portfolio manager pointed out that, “We were able to determine that the criminal acts committed in Cali correspond to terrorist organizations such as the ‘JM19’ movement, ‘Luis Otero Cifuentes’ and the dissident group Farc ‘Gentil Duarte’. We are making progress in the investigations to prosecute those responsible ”.

Although Molano did not present any arguments or evidence to support this claim, if he thanked the nearly 600 citizens who contacted the line 3116253670 to report various acts of violence during the marches in the capital of the Valle del Cauca. It must therefore be deduced that inside information was obtained both from this source and from the 23 people captured for vandalism.

In view of this, he reiterated the Government’s decision to strengthen the presence of the police force in the city, where there are currently 4,000,000 soldiers and police. These are tasks such as surveillance of the streets of Cali, security for the restoration of cleaning services and support for supply services.

“A democratic state takes into account all citizens. Those who walk and those who don’t, guarantee rights, without allowing vandalism. The population has in the public force the authority which guarantees tranquilityMolano added, insisting that the patrol and surveillance work will continue throughout this Saturday, May 1, when new marches are recorded in the city for International Labor Day.

KEEP READING: