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News > Colombia

Colombia To Vote No-Confidence Motion Against Defense Minister

  • Citizens demand Diego Molano's resignation in Bogota, Colombia,  May 24, 2021.

    Citizens demand Diego Molano's resignation in Bogota, Colombia, May 24, 2021. | Photo: EFE

Published 25 May 2021
Opinion

On Monday, 18 lawmakers promoted the motion during an audience held due to the ongoing human rights violations committed by security forces.

Colombia's Congress on Tuesday will vote on a "no-confidence motion" against Defense Minister Diego Molano, who is accused of allowing and promoting police brutality in the protests against President Ivan Duque.

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On Monday, 18 lawmakers promoted the motion during a parliamentary session held due to the ongoing human rights violations committed by security forces amid the demonstrations, in which at least 43 people have been killed.

Colombians marched to the National Capitol in Bogota holding funeral wreaths honoring the deceased and holding signs reading "Resign Molano," "They are killing us," and "Defense Minister is a war machine."

In the session, lawmakers debated the motion and listened to police brutality victims and relatives. After seven hours of discussions, Molano intervened in his defense and assured that he respected protesters.

"The Minister is one of those responsible for the chain of crimes against humanity perpetrated by the security forces since April 28," leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda said.

The Duque administration has justified police brutality by describing protesters as "vandals." But photographs and videos show Mobile Anti-Riot Squadron (ESMAD) agents cracking down on citizens with no justification.

"Duque and Molano should have children. Therefore, they should put an end to so much violence. The government has everything in its hands. If there is no punishment, the police will continue killing without fear," the father of one victim said during the session.

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