CALLS are growing for Colombia’s special riot squad to be disbanded after a 24-year-old man lost his left eye during a protest against police violence in the capital Bogota earlier this week.
Gareth Steven was injured when the Mobile Anti-Riot Squadron (Esmad) went on the rampage, attacking a peaceful demonstration and seriously injuring at least four people.
Among them were three officials from the Bogota mayoral office, one of whom was hit in the leg with a stone during the protest marking the National Day Against Police Abuse on Wednesday.
Mr Steven was rushed to a nearby hospital after being hit on the cheek by an officer, but medics were unable to save his eye.