Protesters Disperse in Bogota as Loud Bangs Heard on Steps of National Capitol

Protesters dispersed as loud bangs were heard in the historic Plaza de Bolivar, in the Colombian capital of Bogota, on May 5 following days of protests which have left at least 19 dead.

“Confrontations continue to escalate on the steps of the Colombian senate, flash bangs and tear gas have been deployed” Alexander Bare, who filmed the video, wrote in a Twitter post.

Violent scenes have accompanied protests in Colombia against planned post-pandemic tax reforms that began on April 28. The reforms have since been shelved.

The video, recorded on May 5, shows a large crowd of people cheering in Plaza de Bolivar, before a series of loud explosion can be heard. Credit: Alexander Bare via Storyful