Teaneck Councilman Pagan Statement on Violent Repression of Protests in Colombia

Teaneck, N.J. – Teaneck Councilman Michael Santiago Pagan issued the following statement in English and Spanish condemning the violent repression of protests in Colombia:

“I am saddened and disturbed by the brutal Colombian National Police (PNC) response to peaceful protests this past weekend throughout Colombia. The images from their brutality are sickening: men, women, and children being beaten by the very government that is supposed to protect them. The actions of the PNC have sadly led to the death of 19 protestors, one of which was a 9th grader.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and peaceful protests are an integral part of a democratic society. The Colombian government must stop hurting their own people. They must recognize that their people are hurting and that they want to be heard. My heart goes out to our Latino brothers and sisters in Colombia.”

Spanish Translation:

“Me entristece y me preocupa la brutal respuesta de la Policía Nacional de Colombia (PNC) a las protestas pacíficas del pasado fin de semana en todo el país. Las imágenes de la brutalidad son repugnantes: hombres, mujeres y niños golpeados por el mismo gobierno que se supone que los debe proteger. Las acciones de la PNC han provocado lamentablemente la muerte de 19 manifestantes, uno de los cuales era un estudiante de noveno grado.

La libertad de expresión es un derecho humano fundamental y las protestas pacíficas son parte integral de una sociedad democrática. El gobierno colombiano debe dejar de lastimar a su propia gente. Deben reconocer que su gente está sufriendo y que quieren ser escuchados. Mi corazón está con nuestros hermanos y hermanas Latinos en Colombia.”