Violent protests erupt across Colombia over tax reform outrage

Colombia has deployed police and army units to Cali, its third-biggest city, in a bid to end disturbances and vandalism amid nationwide protests against a controversial tax reform. Unions called strikes on Wednesday in Colombia’s main cities to demand the government of President Ivan Duque withdraw the reform, which it presented to congress earlier this month as it tries to increase tax income. In a national address, Duque denounced the violence and said the large crowds were exacerbating the pandemic. One man died on Wednesday following confrontations between protesters and the police, while 55 civilians and more than 40 police officers were injured in the last two days, according to local authorities. The national protests began despite a court order and pleas from authorities to suspend marches as the country is gripped in the third wave of coronavirus infections. For more info, please go to Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: Like Global News on Facebook