Protests in the country’s capital, Bogotá, over the death of police detainee Javier Ordonjes have escalated into violence and clashes with police.
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The Ministry of Defense said 13 people had died in the protests, as well as 209 civilians and 194 police officers. Dozens of city buses have been damaged, 13 of which were set on fire. 60 police stations were also damaged during the riots.
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Defense Minister Carlos Trujillo Olmes apologized on behalf of the police for any illegal actions taken during Ordonjes’s arrest on Wednesday morning. He said a disciplinary hearing would be held to determine whether police officers had murdered and abused their power. The Attorney General’s Office will determine whether criminal charges should be brought.
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Seven police officers have been suspended pending an investigation.
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“The national police are asking for forgiveness,” the minister said.
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Ordonjess died Wednesday morning after a confrontation, which was witnessed in a video. It shows that two police officers forced Ordonjes to the ground and used an electric shock, although he asked the police to stop it. Ordonjess was taken to a police station and then to a hospital, where he was taken without signs of life.
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The incident caused outrage over the excessive use of force by the police. This came at a time when US protests were continuing against police violence against African Americans.
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