International

Rights commission blasts Colombia over ‘lethal’ protest response

AFP

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights hit out on Wednesday at Colombia’s “disproportionate” and “lethal” response to anti-government protests that broke out just over two months ago.

At least 60 people have died since the protests began on April 28, according to the ombudsman’s office.

The Commission’s 48-page report, prepared following a June 6-10 visit by its representatives, detailed allegations of human rights violations.

“The Commission finds that repeatedly, in different regions of the country, the State’s response was characterized by an excessive and disproportionate use of force. In many cases the action included lethal force,” said the Commission president Antonia Urrejola during a virtual press conference from Washington.

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Having spoken to 500 witnesses, the Commission issued several recommendations, including that the government respect the right to protest, an “immediate end to the use of disproportionate force,” separating the police from the defense ministry, and an end to a ban on “road blocks as a general form of protest.”

The Commission also called for the protection of journalists, who are often the target of attacks, and to compensate victims.

The protests had been 89 percent peaceful, the Commission said.

Colombia President Ivan Duque insisted he was “respectful of peaceful protest” but not “vandalism, low intensity urban terrorism or road blocks.”

“No-one can recommend to a country that it tolerates criminality,” he added.

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Duque has announced a police reform plan, but protesters are angry that it will be conducted by the defense ministry.

The Commission report also included the government’s complaint about “infiltrations of the protests by armed third parties.”

Authorities claim leftist rebels and drug traffickers have infiltrated the protests to wreak chaos.

But the Commission “noted with great concern a climate of polarization … that is manifested in stigmatizing speeches” that sometimes come from “public authorities.”

Three weeks ago, the most visible organized protest group suspended its demonstrations for a month.

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Protesters are demanding a fairer society in a country where the poverty level has risen to 42 percent of the 50 million population.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.