Bogotá denounces protesters, mayor defends Autopista Sur recovery

The Bogotá city government has filed a criminal complaint against protesters who blocked the Autopista Sur on June 9, amid a controversial space recovery operation. The Department of Public Space (DADEP) presented charges including conspiracy, drug trafficking, and violence against public officials Source: larepublicaco. Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán stated the administration will not backtrack, asserting the underpass was used for illegal sales, drugs, and stolen motorcycles Source: larepublicaco.

The protest and denunciation

The disturbance began after officials removed informal structures from the Autopista Sur underpass as part of the "Puentes que Unen" strategy, aiming to recover 4,000 square meters of public space. Protesters—vendors and motorcyclists—blocked the road and set objects on fire, causing massive traffic jams. The DADEP's denunciation seeks to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Mayor's position and community response

Galán declared, "The public space is for all citizens to enjoy, not for a few to use illegally." However, Maira Alejandra Villanueva, a vendor spokesperson, claimed over 60 families were affected and accused authorities of abuse of power: "They came and knocked down our commerce… they didn't warn us" Source: larepublicaco. Diego Arenas, local mayor of Ciudad Bolívar, countered that the project had been socialized for six months and that dialogue was prioritized.

The mobility has been restored, but the legal and social conflict continues.