Seven police officers suspended following death of Donovan Balanta in Ciudad Bolívar, Bogotá
Seven uniformed officers were removed from their posts and linked to an investigation following the death of a 34-year-old man to whom they applied a taser while he was handcuffed.
Officers suspended following death of man tasered in Bogotá
Seven agents of the National Police were removed from their posts and linked to a formal investigation following the death of Donovan Balanta Paz, aged 34, which occurred after a police procedure in the Caracolí neighbourhood, in Ciudad Bolívar, to the south of Bogotá, according to confirmation by the institution via official statement. This was reported by semana.com.
The events were recorded in the Caracolí sector, located in the border area between Ciudad Bolívar and the municipality of Soacha. In accordance with what was reported, the uniformed officers were called to attend to a brawl in the area. Upon arrival, they detained Balanta Paz and, according to accounts from the community, applied electric shocks with a taser on repeated occasions.
Several videos circulating on social media show the moment when eyewitnesses ask the officers to stop the action, arguing that the man was being mistreated. According to those who reported it, the shocks would have continued even when Balanta Paz was already completely handcuffed and subdued.
Subsequently, Balanta Paz was transported together with another person to Cazuca Station. Upon arrival at the location, he began to experience health problems and lost consciousness. Emergency protocols were activated and the victim was sent to Luis Carlos Galán hospital in Soacha, where he received medical attention and died shortly afterwards.
The National Police indicated in its statement that the seven uniformed officers allegedly involved were linked to the investigative process to clarify the events and determine corresponding responsibilities. Additionally, all were removed from their functions whilst the investigations proceed.
"The National Police reiterates its absolute respect for fundamental rights, and reaffirms that all of its actions are carried out with strict adherence to the Political Constitution, the law, international standards of human rights and principles that govern the legitimate and proportionate use of force," stated the institution at the close of the statement.
To date, the authorities have not officially determined the cause of death or whether this has a direct connection to the police procedure. Family members and associates of Balanta Paz are demanding justice and requesting that the case not go unpunished.
Source: Google News CO — Bogotá