Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia \u2013 Colombian President Abelardo de la\nEspriella has stated that police will be permitted to enter university\ngrounds when there is violence, vandalism, terrorism or a serious threat\nto public order.<\/p>\n
\u201cUniversity autonomy does not stand above public order,\u201d De la\nEspriella said in a public address on Sunday (13 September 2026), as\nquoted by Anadolu Agency.<\/p>\n
He also announced the implementation of a national protocol to\ndistinguish peaceful demonstrations from actions involving violence,\ndestruction, criminal acts or serious threats to public order.<\/p>\n
According to De la Espriella, the policy continues to respect\npeaceful demonstrations carried out in accordance with the constitution\nand the law. However, security forces may intervene when serious crimes\nor threats to public safety occur within university premises.<\/p>\n
\u201cUniversity autonomy does not mean autonomy over matters of public\norder, nor does it make campuses territories outside the constitution,\nthe law or the legitimate authority of the state,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
De la Espriella stressed that the government will respond to attacks\nagainst police and civilians, the destruction of infrastructure, and\nvarious other acts of violence occurring on campus.<\/p>\n
The statement has reignited a long-running debate in Colombia over\nthe boundaries of university autonomy and the state\u2019s authority to\nintervene when protests take place on university premises.<\/p>\n
University autonomy is recognised in the Colombian constitution. The\nprinciple grants higher education institutions the freedom to manage\ntheir academic and administrative affairs independently.<\/p>\n
Groups opposing police entry onto campuses have long argued that\nsecurity operations could threaten this principle of autonomy.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, the government maintains that university autonomy\nmust not become an obstacle preventing the authorities from acting when\ncriminal activity or serious threats to public safety occur.<\/p>\n
The policy was announced as the De la Espriella administration places\npublic security and the eradication of violence among its top\npriorities. The President has also called for firmer action against\ngroups and individuals involved in attacks on security forces and public\nfacilities.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/this-president-will-allow-police-to-enter-campuses-when-demonstrations-turn-violent-1789487582", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }