News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Nov. 25, 2019: The government of Canada is warning its nationals to “exercise a high degree of caution” if travelling to the South American nation of Colombia as protests continue there.
Colombia is the latest country in the Americas to see an upsurge of anti-government protests.
Canada said, “even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time” and can “also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.”
The government statement also warned that it is “illegal for Canadians who enter Colombia for tourism purposes or on a visa to participate in local political activities, rallies or public demonstrations.”
“Political involvement may result in your deportation,” the statement warned.
The anti-government demonstrations erupted on Thursday, when more than 250,000 marched in a national strike.
They started peacefully but clashes between protesters and police have since broken out, and there have been reports of vandalism and looting. At least three people have died since the protests against corruption and possible austerity measures began.
Colombian President Ivan Duque, the target of days of unprecedented anti-government protests, on Sunday opened a national dialogue aimed at assuaging popular anger.
