2024-02-12 00:32:48
President Gustavo Petro responded to the criticism that arose after the day of marches called by the Colombian Federation of Education Workers (Fecode) on February 8.
These demonstrations culminated in the blocking of the entrance to the Palace of Justice by a group of protesters.
The criticism, originating from a tweet by journalist Daniel Coronell, questioned the president’s management of the events of February 8. In his response, President Petro stated that he is not “indolent and arrogant» in the face of the consequences of handing over the Prosecutor’s Office to Marta Mancera, and recognized the serious accusations presented by the press on this issue.
The president highlighted the importance of citizens and a press that fight for transparency and citizen control of institutions. He stated that the previous day’s marches passed without violence throughout the country, contradicting false journalistic accounts that attempted to position a different narrative.
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Regarding the blockade at the Palace of Justice, Petro explained that a group of four people tried to break into a door, but It was the protesters themselves who prevented the action. He added that there was never a restriction on free mobility and that the government gave guarantees for the exercise of the right to protest.
The president recognized some shortcomings in the accompaniment of the marches by the Public Force, which were immediately corrected. He noted that he ordered the area to be cleared as a precautionary measure to avoid more difficult situations in the future.
Petro concluded by assuring that the Supreme Court will always have the support of the government, reiterating its commitment to transparency, democracy and respect for the country’s institutions.
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