Cali, Colombia in the midst of a wave of violence and crime

 

EFE/Pablo Rodríguez

On the national landscape for Colombia, the country is in the middle of the strongest national strike has ever experienced. Triggered by the policies of the failed New Tax Reform project, which contains as a main topic the increase of  citizens' taxes in the midst of an economic crisis, as a result of the pandemic and restrictive institutional measures in the functioning of businesses throughout the national territory.

In the main cities of the country, various demonstrations have been presented since April 28, by groups representing minorities such as education sector, indigenous people, among others. However, in these demonstrations there are illegal groups cells that have taken advantage of chaos to generate a wave of civil crime,  lootings, shootings among others. These actions have left the country with an important number of dead and injured people, in a desupplying of basic products and necessities, and a large increase in Covid cases, due to congregations.

Although in several cities the marches have become peaceful, in Cali the situation of public order has gotten out of control. Looting, extortion and a crime scene never seen before has set off governmental alarms.

"On the other hand, there is the dynamic of the city, which by its geographical and strategic location captures the tensions of the region related to drugs production, informal and illegal economies, such as smuggling, illegal mining and drug trafficking. These phenomenon have a very strong basis of impact on Cali's rural dynamics, they see unemployment as an opportunity to put their needs on the table," as indicated by the newspaper El Espectador.

The National Police claimed that during the protests in Cali, 19 criminal groups outside have been organized to vandalize the city. These groups had more than 200 men who attacked different points in the capital of Valle del Cauca. This groups pay to criminals to commit illegal acts in Cali.

In addition to peaceful mobilizations with clashes with the Public Force, there have been clear attempts at citizen vandalism and impacts on public, banking and commercial infrastructure. As well as the collection of illegal tolls and the sale of gasoline with usury prices, taking advantage of the shortages of this product.

Similar organizations also delinquen in Bogota. There they planned attacks on CAI and tried to burn 15 policemen alive. In the capital of the country will capture at least 22 people, confirms Noticias Caracol.

Sources:

El Tiempo

Caracol Radio

El Espectador