Bello residents protest for water rights amid police crackdown

Residents of the Granizal community in Bello, Antioquia, staged a protest on August 13 to demand access to potable water and improved roads. The community reports receiving less than 10 liters of water per person daily, significantly below the 50-liter minimum they are requesting. They are seeking the enforcement of a judicial ruling that mandates EPM and the local mayor's office to guarantee their right to water, a demand they have maintained for 30 years.

According to reports, the peaceful demonstration on the Medellín-Bogotá highway was met with violent repression by riot police after 15 hours. Protesters, including women, children, and the elderly, were reportedly subjected to physical blows, tear gas, and stun grenades. The Cumbre Nacional Popular denounced the actions as disproportionate, stating they endangered lives. Additionally, devices deployed by police reportedly ignited a serious fire in a nearby forested area close to a natural gas company.

Medellín Councilman José Luis Marín criticized the administration of Bello Mayor Lorena González, noting that despite previous promises, residents in the Valle de Aburrá region still lack basic services and dignified infrastructure.