Joint statement by David McAllister and Pilar Del Castillo, in light of the crisis situation generated by the wave of continued protests in Colombia after 9 days of marches and revolts.
The Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, David McAllister (EPP, DE) and the Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the countries of the Andean Community, Pilar del Castillo (EPP, ES), state:
"It is the legitimate right of all citizens to protest and demonstrate peacefully which, together with the rights of assembly, association and freedom of expression, constitute the cornerstone of democratic systems. The authorities must ensure public order in a proportionate and balanced manner without abuse, arbitrariness or excess. The confusing and diverse information released about the number of the dead and the injured, including those of law enforcement officers and people whose whereabouts remain unknown, is a cause for concern. The legitimate Colombian authorities must investigate these thoroughly.
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Full text of the EP Press Statement of 7 May 2021 (EN)
Texto completo del comunicado de prensa del PE de 7 de mayo de 2021 (ES)
Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP