AMERICAS

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): Nationwide demonstrations over income inequality, police brutality and youth unemployment are expected to continue in Colombia on 9 June 2021. The National Strike Committee has called for demonstrations as talks with the Colombian government have stalled. According to organizers, demonstrations will concentrate in the capital Bogotá, where representatives of the National Strike Committee plan to meet with officials of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) later on 9 June.

Demonstrations are scheduled to occur at various times in major cities across the country. In Bogotá, protesters plan to gather during the morning hours at a number of locations, including the Portale de Las Américas, Suba and Usme metro stations, Parque Nacional, Parque de los Hippies, Centro Memoria and the intersection of Avenida Boyacá and Villavicencio. In addition, gatherings in the capital are expected to occur at Hotel Tequendama at 1500 local time (2000 UTC) and Plaza de Bolívar in the afternoon hours. Earlier on 9 June, police officers dispersed dozens of protesters who attempted to demolish a statue on Calle 26 in Bogotá.

On 8 June police officers deployed tear gas to disperse protesters near a stadium in the northern city of Barranquilla, injuring an unknown number of people. In the western city of Ibagué, a group of hooded protesters seized a public bus on Route 35 near the University of Tolima after forcing the driver and passengers to vacate the vehicle. There were no reports of casualties during the latter incident.

ASIA

India (Security threat level – 3): On 8 June 2021, authorities extended the existing statewide coronavirus-related lockdown in Telangana through 19 June. Under the order, a statewide curfew is in effect during 1800-0600 local time (1230-0030 UTC). During curfew hours, residents are required to remain at home, except in emergency situations. In addition, the cities of Sathupalli, Madhira, Nalgonda, Nagarjuna Sagar, Munugode, Devarakonda, and Miryalaguda remain under lockdown during 1400-0600 local time due to rising rates of new COVID-19 cases in those cities.

South Korea (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1620 local time (0720 UTC) on 9 June 2021, a five-story building being demolished in the city of Gwangju, located approximately 270 km (170 mi) south of the capital Seoul, collapsed onto an occupied bus that was parked nearby. At least nine people aboard the vehicle were killed and eight more suffered serious injuries. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. The cause of the collapse remains unknown.

AUSTRALASIA

Australia (Security threat level – 2): On 8 June 2021, the acting premier of Victoria state announced that the ongoing coronavirus-related lockdown in the state capital Melbourne will end at 2359 local time (1359 UTC) on 10 June. Residents will then be allowed to leave their homes freely but must remain within a radius of 25 km (15 mi) unless traveling for work, education, or other essential reasons. Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed, although visits to private residences will remain prohibited. Limited indoor dining at eateries will be allowed under the new protocols; however, gyms and other indoor sporting venues will remain closed.

EUROPE

Cyprus (Security threat level – 2): On 9 June 2021, Cypriot health officials announced a relaxation of coronavirus-related restrictions beginning on 10 June. The 0100 to 0500 local time (2200 to 0200 UTC) nightly curfew will end and businesses will be allowed to operate at full capacity; rapid COVID-19 tests will be required from employees who have not been vaccinated. Nightclubs and reception halls may reopen, but a SafePass/CoronaPass will be required to access indoor areas of such venues. A SafePass/CoronaPass can be proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours; a document showing at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine received at least three weeks prior; or proof of having contracted COVID-19 within the last six months.