On October 14, 2022, nonviolent student demonstrators from Atlantico University in Eduardo Santos – La Playa were violently attacked by an unidentified group of individuals.
The students had gathered outside the gates of the university for a demonstration – reports were unclear regarding the subject matter. Shortly thereafter, a group of individuals arrived and attacked the students with stones. University officials demanded that local authorities investigate.
Scholars at Risk is concerned about attacks on nonviolent student protesters. Political actors and all members of society have an obligation to respect the right to nonviolent, political expression and academic freedom. Authorities likewise have an obligation to respond to attacks and hold perpetrators accountable. In addition to the harm to the immediate victims, the use of force against student protesters undermines academic freedom and democratic society generally.
Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
El Heraldo (Colombia)