Colombian President addresses violent protests

Indigenous protesters faced off with police in the Colombia city of Cali on Wednesday, joining thousands of protesters nationwide to demonstrate against a controversial government tax reform.

The government is proposing a suite of new or expanded taxes on individuals and businesses, as well as reducing or eliminating many tax exemptions, including on product sales.

The reform is crucial for Colombia to keep its investment grade debt rating, according to the government.

Indigenous protesters tried to bring down a statue dedicated to Spanish conquistador Sebastian de Belalcazar, before police arrived at the scene and fired tear gas.

Wednesday's protest is the most recent in a series of marches which began near the end of 2019 against the social and economic policies of President Ivan Duque, who leaves office next year.