Colombian Defense Minister Still Spewing Anti-Protest Rhetoric

Colombian Senator Ivan Cepeda, on Tuesday, remarked that Defence Minister Guillermo Botero's anti-protest comments are generic, irresponsible and reap dangerous claims for social justice.  

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"This is not a debate of political control that is focused on a policy that has been drawn up by the Ministry of Defence or the Government, but revolves around two of my appreciations (...) it is true that in my statements I said that, but I tried to take three lines, more literal, generates imprecision of everything I said," Botero reaffirmed in his speech.

During the debate on political control in the Second Commission of the Senate, the group addressed the minister’s assertions that social protest should be regulated and that they are financed by illicit money.

Cepeda pointed out that the statements made by the defence minister are especially dangerous to social leaders who are being targeted by violence.

The defence minister sought to clarify his words about the financing of the social protest by claiming the comment was a generalization for a specific area and not for the entire national territory.

However, Botero remained resolute on legislating civic demonstration, even extending an invitation to Congress to hold discussions to block protests. 

Before taking office, the minister had launched the controversial proposal to regulate social protest.

Botero added that protests will overwhelm the rights of the majorities, through blocking public roads and damaging infrastructure as well as causing injuries and deaths to citizens or members of the security forces.