The demonstration was against a new camera system introduced in the city, which the taxi drivers claim is flawed and unpredictable. The cameras photograph only the licence plate of the car, and not the offence, which has already caused an increase in fines. The drivers claim that these fines are being used to line the pockets of those running the system, while transport workers and private drivers suffer.
Tear gas was used against demonstrators, and 16 SNTT and CUT members injured and detained. They were all released the following day.
Esteban Barboza, secretary general of SNTT said: "We condemn the police action against our members and against the interests of civil society in a peacefully rally. We are not requesting the removal of the cameras, we are demanding the review of the technology used to avoid arbitrary fines. Cartagena City does not deserve this kind of abuse and extortion with this system, we will continue calling for dialogue with the authorities of Cartagena."
Antonio Fritz, ITF Regional Secretary, said that the degree of violence used by the Colombian government was unacceptable. He added that the assault and murder of taxi drivers is often concealed, or left uninvestigated. He further pledged the support of the ITF and its 4.5 million transport workers for the SNTT and its members, not only for their right to organise, but so that public transport in Colombia is accessible, efficient, humane and safe.
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