Curfew in Bogota does not prevent new massive demonstrations

The mayor of the Colombian capital, Bogotá, has imposed a curfew to cover the entire city in response to renewed anti-government protests. Over 250,000 people joined the national strike marches throughout the contry.

The mayor of the Colombian capital, Bogotá, has imposed a curfew to cover the entire city in response to renewed anti-government protests.

Police fired tear gas in the city on Friday to disperse crowds and there were reports of sporadic looting.

Meanwhile, President Iván Duque said he would launch a "national conversation" next week to try to ease tensions.

More than 250,000 people attended marches across the country on Thursday to voice anger at the government.

Colombia's Defense Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo on Friday admitted that three people died and 122 civilians were injured during the nationwide strike against President Ivan Duque held on Thursday, when some 622 massive marches, rallies or other forms of protest were held in 350 municipalities. 

The Ministry also confirmed that 53 raids were made, 98 citizens were arrested and another 207 protesters were "taken" to police stations.

While authorities were trying to justify police repression as a necessary response to halt "the vandals", Colombians uploaded videos and photographs in which the police officers' violent attacks have been recorded.

Among those graphic records of police brutality, are photographs in which the Mobile Riot Squadron (ESMAD) members hit a woman in the face and a video that shows more than five policemen kicking and beating a couple in downtown Bogota.