Florída: Mass Detention and Brutal Suppression of Social Protest

This is a pictoral account of a day of social protest (22/06) in Florida, Valle de Cauca, after 27 civillians were arbitrarily detained the night before. Most were dragged from their homes, passers -by and youths were amongst those gagged, beaten and forcefully questioned in the Police station. The local Authorities have released two documents: one (dated 21/96) declaring that any demonstration against the proposed new waste plant in the town must have the authorization of the local Government Secretary, and another (delivered to ever household that night) naming 10 community leaders as `terrorists, militants and guerillas´ for organizing the protest that day.


This youth is fifteen years of age and was beaten by Police in the station the night before who were demanding information.

This youth is 16 year of age and was arbitrarily taken to the Police Station the previous night 21/06 and beaten

This youth is 16 year of age and was arbitrarily taken to the Police Station the previous night 21/06 and beaten

This youth is 16 year of age and was arbitrarily taken to the Police Station the previous night 21/06 and beaten

This youth is 16 year of age and was arbitrarily taken to the Police Station the previous night 21/06 and beaten

Individuals photoing and videoing assembly of civillians from the balcony of the Alcaldia (Mayores Office).

The arrival of the heavily armed ESMAD squadron to the Alcaldia (Mayores Builing)at 10:15 caused panic and confusion, dispersing the peacefull assembly of concerned townspeople.

The arrival of the heavily armed ESMAD squadron to the Alcaldia (Mayores Builing)at 10:15 caused panic and confusion, dispersing the peacefull assembly of concerned townspeople.

11:30 22/06 Police forcefully evicted peacefull protesters from the main plaza in an apparent act of provocation.

This vehicle had no markings of identification

11:40 Police advance on protesters through town