Colombian National Strike 2021: Parents of slain teenagers speak out against police brutality

CALI, COLOMBIA (JANUARY 28, 2023) - In May 2021, Colombia was rocked by a wave of protests and strikes against the government's proposed tax reforms. What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated into violence, with reports of police brutality and the deaths of dozens of protesters. Among those killed were several teenagers, including Antony Agudelo, Harold Rodriguez, and Maicol Aranda. The parents of these young men have since spoken out against the police and their use of excessive force. Angela Jiménez, the mother of Antony Agudelo, described her horror at hearing her son's voice tell her he was no longer there. "Powerful shots were heard... People hid in their houses... I got tired of dialing his numbers. I had the door closed and I felt that someone entered through the door. Here I am telling you a truth that I lived, someone came through the door and I saw it. Then I felt a breath in my chest and a voice that said, mother, don't look for me, I'm not here anymore." Similarly, Jenny Mellizo, the mother of Harold Rodriguez, recounted how her son was an integral part of their family, serving as the "engine" of the household. They also stressed that he was not participating in the strike at the time of his death. Abelardo Aranda, the father of Maicol Aranda, spoke about his son's dreams of changing their community for the better. "Maicol wanted the change for all the young people... At this moment we have spent almost 2 years in impunity, the prosecution does not tell us anything about the death of our son." The parents' heartbreaking stories have shed light on the devastating toll of police violence on families and communities. Their calls for justice and accountability have resonated with many across Colombia and the world. (Footage by Juan Sebastian Arias/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)