Author Archive

Markus Hochmüller

Markus Hochmüller is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Changing Character of War Centre (CONPEACE Programme), Pembroke College, University of Oxford. He holds a PhD in political science from Freie Universität Berlin. His research focuses on security and development in Latin America with an emphasis on peace- and state-building, security sector reform, and border governance.

Times are grim for human rights and the rule of law in Colombia. Since the end of April, tens of thousands of Colombians have taken to the streets after President Iván Duque announced a controversial tax reform. While the government has withdrawn the reform proposal, protests are ongoing as citizens express their frustration over structural inequalities. Discontent is high across the country, especially among lower- and middle-class Colombians who have experienced increased hardship while enduring the COVID-19 pandemic. By 22 June, 83 people were killed and over 1,600 wounded, with much of the violence attributed to the Colombian National Police. The police’s anti-riot unit, known as ESMAD, has become a symbol of disproportionate policing based on the excessive use of force. The Constitution …