The Colombian government and security forces said Friday “destabilizing
forces” are behind the protests of indigenous and sugar cane cutters in
the south of Colombia. The DAS expelled three allegedly involved Europeans.
Minister of Social Welfare Diego Palacio said it wasn’t coincidental both protests are taking place in October, because “they have found clear and enough evidence that allows to show that beyond the disagreement there is an interest that seeks to destabilize, confront and oppose the national government,” the minister said.
The evidence consists of audio and video material that suggest the FARC is behind the protests of the indigenous people in Cauca. There was no evidence shown during a press conference of police, the minister and Colombian intelligence service DAS.
DAS director María del Pilar Hurtado told the press two French and one German had been expelled the past few days for allegedly supporting the sugar cane workers’ protest. The Europeans had entered the country on tourist visa, but were found to support the workers.
Indigenous leaders have denied on several occasions their movent was supported or infiltrated by guerrillas.
