AMERICAS

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On the evening of 9 June 2021, unrest occurred in the Colombian cities of Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Bucaramanga, during demonstrations over income inequality, police brutality and youth unemployment. In Bogotá, protesters set up blockades across the city, forcing the suspension of at least seven public bus routes. Demonstrators also set fire to at least two buses. Clashes occurred in the districts of Bosa, Kennedy, Suba and Rafael Uribe. In addition, police officers deployed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse demonstrators in the Usme suburb. At least 56 people were injured during the clashes in Bogotá.

In Cali, police officers deployed tear gas and stun grenades while attempting to disperse demonstrators. At least 12 people were injured in the violence, including three police officers. One person was shot and killed in Cali. In Bucaramanga, police officers deployed tear gas to forcibly disperse demonstrators, who threw Molotov cocktails at the officers. At least 30 people were injured in Bucaramanga. Protests also occurred in Medellín, where 15 people were injured in the associated violence. The countrywide demonstrations, which have been ongoing since late April, appear to have reintensified after negotiations between the National Strike Committee and Colombian government stalled on 6 June. However, the National Strike Committee is expected to make an announcement later on 10 June regarding its new strategy in relation to the countrywide protest actions.

ASIA

South Korea (Security threat level – 2): On 9 June 2021, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced that the government is planning to allow tour groups that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country beginning in July, without providing a specific date. The mandatory 14-day quarantine will be waived for tour groups, but they will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before arriving in or departing from the country. Groups from Singapore, Thailand and the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands will likely be the first to enter the country under the revised measures. Groups from other countries are expected to visit as well following bilateral negotiations with the South Korean government.

EUROPE

Greece (Security threat level – 3): A countrywide general strike is taking place in Greece on 10 June 2021, as labor unions protest proposed labor reform legislation. Rail and ferry services across the country are suspended for the day. In the capital Athens, all public transportation services are suspended, with the exception of public buses scheduled to operate through 2100 local time (1800 UTC). In addition, workers at select airports participated in work stoppages from 1130-1530 local time, although there were no reports of significant disruptions to flights. Demonstrations associated with the labor action occurred in Athens, where more than 16,000 people participated in various gatherings. An estimated 10,000 people gathered in the city center area and marched outside Parliament. In addition, approximately 10,000 people participated in demonstrations in the northern city of Thessaloniki. The protest actions were organized by major trade unions — such as the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), the Civil Servants Confederation (ADEDY) and the All-Workers Militant Front (PAME) — and a number of other labor groups ahead of the parliamentary vote on the labor reform bill, which is anticipated to occur later in June. Protesters particularly resent parts of the proposal that would permit employers to introduce a 10-hour workday and increase the overtime limit to 150 hours annually.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Norway (Security threat level – 2): On 9 June 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Oslo issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Event: The Embassy has been advised of a planned demonstration by the Union of Tigrayans in Norway on Friday, June 11, during 3:00-4:00 PM, at the U.S. Embassy. The anticipated number of demonstrators is 30. Oslo Police will direct the demonstrators to a designated area away from the Embassy grounds. This designated area is a grassy field located approximately 100 meters northeast of the Embassy.

“Although most demonstrations in Oslo are coordinated with local police and remain peaceful, the Embassy advises that even demonstrations that are expected to be non-violent can sometimes escalate into violence. Therefore, the Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid the demonstrators.”