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Colombia’s ‘Ley Anticapuchos’ draws a necessary line between protest and vandalism

By The City Paper Staff - September 2, 2026

There is nothing particularly controversial about protecting the right to protest. Colombia’s Constitution does it. A democracy needs it. Governments should expect citizens to march, demonstrate, criticize and, when necessary, confront those in power. But there is an equally important principle: the right to protest cannot become a licence to destroy. That is the premise […]

Colombia’s 2021 National Strike violence was coordinated with illegal armed groups

By The City Paper Staff - May 4, 2026

A landmark ruling by the Superior Tribunal of Bogotá has delivered one of the strongest judicial rebukes yet of the narrative surrounding Colombia’s 2021 National Strike, concluding that some of the most destructive episodes of violence during the protests were not spontaneous acts of social unrest but part of a coordinated criminal strategy involving illegal […]

Petro expels Israeli diplomats as Bogotá faces Gaza-linked vandalism

By Richard Emblin - October 2, 2025

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s diplomats after two Colombians were detained on a Gaza-bound flotilla. The Gaza crisis is fueling protests and vandalism in Bogotá, and critics warn Petro may be fueling unrest to cement his base ahead of the 2026 election.

Petro “Loses the Street” as National Strike stalls with rising discontent

By Richard Emblin - June 1, 2025

President Petro’s failed national strike and empty plazas reveal his dwindling public support. As violent protests disrupt daily life, Colombians are turning away from his rhetoric, signaling that the President who once owned the streets has now lost them.

Colombia braces for 48-hour National Strike as Petro calls for popular revolt

By The City Paper Staff - May 22, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has backed a two-day national strike on May 28–29, urging mass mobilizations after Congress blocked his popular consultation. Labor unions will lead protests amid growing political tensions and institutional deadlock.

Colombia’s Petro calls for referendum to let “the people decide” reforms

By Richard Emblin - March 12, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for a national referendum on his unpopular reforms after lawmakers shelved the labor reform in the Senate. Critics claim the move undermines democracy and the autonomy of Congress, with concerns a referendum sets a dangerous precedent for governing by a populist decree.