This President Will Allow Police to Enter Campuses When Demonstrations Turn Violent

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has stated that police will be permitted to enter university grounds when there is violence, vandalism, terrorism or a serious threat to public order.

“University autonomy does not stand above public order,” De la Espriella said in a public address on Sunday (13 September 2026), as quoted by Anadolu Agency.

He also announced the implementation of a national protocol to distinguish peaceful demonstrations from actions involving violence, destruction, criminal acts or serious threats to public order.

According to De la Espriella, the policy continues to respect peaceful demonstrations carried out in accordance with the constitution and the law. However, security forces may intervene when serious crimes or threats to public safety occur within university premises.

“University autonomy does not mean autonomy over matters of public order, nor does it make campuses territories outside the constitution, the law or the legitimate authority of the state,” he said.

De la Espriella stressed that the government will respond to attacks against police and civilians, the destruction of infrastructure, and various other acts of violence occurring on campus.

The statement has reignited a long-running debate in Colombia over the boundaries of university autonomy and the state’s authority to intervene when protests take place on university premises.

University autonomy is recognised in the Colombian constitution. The principle grants higher education institutions the freedom to manage their academic and administrative affairs independently.

Groups opposing police entry onto campuses have long argued that security operations could threaten this principle of autonomy.

On the other hand, the government maintains that university autonomy must not become an obstacle preventing the authorities from acting when criminal activity or serious threats to public safety occur.

The policy was announced as the De la Espriella administration places public security and the eradication of violence among its top priorities. The President has also called for firmer action against groups and individuals involved in attacks on security forces and public facilities.