Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

Video Credit: CEN/@JFSaninM

This 18-year-old boy has become the first victim of the police crackdown on Colombia’s protests after dying in hospital from injuries reportedly sustained from a police flashbang grenade.

Dilan Cruz died on Monday evening in the San Ignacio hospital in the Chapinero neighbourhood of the Colombian capital Bogota after he was reportedly injured by a flashbang grenade thrown by police.

Video Credit: CEN/@parescolombia

Local media report Cruz was participating in a peaceful protest when the anti-riot police launched the flashbang.

Local media outlet Pulso report a video of Cruz throwing a tear gas bomb at police before he is hit by the flashbang has emerged.

In the clip, he can be seen throwing a smoking object before he is seen on the ground as an onlooker says “get up, get up”.

The hospital said in a press statement: “Sadly we inform that, despite the attention given in the intensive care unit, Dilan Cruz, has died. Our condolences to his family and loved ones”.

Cruz is reportedly the first fatal victim of police violence in Colombia. Three people died in the riots that took place on Thursday in the cities of Buenaventura and Candelaria, in the south-western department of Valle del Cauca.

After the death of the teen boy was published by local media, dozens of people gathered near the hospital to protest against police violence and ask for justice.

The President sent a message on social media reading: “We deeply regret the death of the young Dilan Cruz. We express our sincere condolences to his mum, grandfather, and her two sisters. My solidarity to this family.”

Tens of thousands of Colombian citizens have been protesting in the streets since Thursday against inequality and poverty – calling on President Ivan Duque to make a change.

The President has reportedly called for a meeting with the union organising the protest which is scheduled to take place today (Tuesday).

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