For several days now, people across Colombia have voiced their anger in large demonstrations. The protests—initially in response to a tax-reform proposal by President Iván Duque that many said would punish the middle class—have transformed into platforms for people to express their wider anger over the government’s mishandling of unemployment, inequality, and the ongoing pandemic crisis. Demonstrations continue, despite President Duque’s withdrawal of his unpopular tax proposal. Recently, the protests have also focused attention on police brutality, after the deaths of at least 19 demonstrators in previous days.
Photos: Deadly Protests Across Colombia
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People shout slogans during a demonstration against government-proposed tax reform, marking May Day, or International Workers' Day, in Bogota, Colombia, on May 1, 2021. #
Fernando Vergara / AP -
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Relatives and friends of Nicolas Guerrero, who was killed during clashes with riot police at a protest against a tax-reform bill, attend a vigil in his honor, in Cali, Colombia, on May 3, 2021. #
Luis Robayo / AFP / Getty
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