Thousands march in Colombia to keep pressure on Duque

Bogota, Nov 28 (AFP/APP): Colombian unions marked their second general strike in a week on Wednesday as tens of thousands poured onto the streets in protest against the government of right-wing President Ivan Duque.

Public transport was largely shut down and shops and offices closed in the center of the capital as a series of protests that began with a 250,000-strong march last Thursday continued for a seventh consecutive day.

Some protesters banged pots and pans as they made their way through the streets. Large demonstrations were also held in Cali and Medellin.

“We are outraged by so much mistreatment and so much corruption,” said David Martinez, a 50-year-old public employee who joined a march in Bogota dressed as a clown.

“I’m dressed as a clown because that’s how the government sees us. People have risen up in Ecuador, Chile, in Bolivia, now it’s our turn to say: No More!” Martinez told AFP.

Duque to meet with Colombia protest leaders

The protests have been largely peaceful but sporadic violence has left four dead — including a young man who died Monday after being wounded in clashes with riot police on Saturday. Some 500 people have been injured.

Police said 184 people had been detained in the protests since last week.

“They have turned Colombia into a democracy where they favor a minority of businessmen and bureaucrats, while the vast majority must try to hang on to their privileges,” teachers union Fecode said in a statement.

Duque, under fire over his economic policies and corruption, launched a “national dialogue” Sunday with mayors and other officials in a bid to assuage popular anger.

However, protest leaders reacted angrily when they were initially omitted from direct talks.