Bullfighting News: Bogota Court Lifts Ban on Bullfighting Until Month
Colombia's highest court ruled Tuesday that it would rescind a ban, after two months and a hunger strike, on bullfighting in the nation's capital.
The court ruled that the prohibition in Bogota violated the "right to artistic expression," according to Zee News.
The bullfighting had been banned by the mayor, Gustavo Petro, more than two months ago.
Since then, 14 bullfighters have been on a hunger strike in hopes of getting the ban repealed.
The Constitutional Court's press office told Fox Latino that the high court agreed with the Corporación Taurina de Bogotá, which organizes bullfights in the city.
As of now, the group has been given the right to continue bullfights until March 2015, which is when the current contract ends.
The 14 apprentice bullfighters on hunger strike have not stopped their protest, because there has been no word from the mayor on what his response or next move will be.
Fox Latino reports the group has stayed outside the downtown Santamaría bullring, and claim the ban has forced 35,000 people into unemployment and that the city has missed out on about $1.6 million in revenue during the time of the ban -- which began Aug. 5.
This is the second time the mayor has attempted to ban the blood sport, according to The Independent. But he isn't alone.
Few countries in Latin America are bullfighting-friendly, but some still use it as a seasonal entertainer.
In Spain, it is still popular, but is not televised, and only Catalonia banned it. Portugal only allows bloodless fights, while Ecuador has only permitted non-fatal fights since 2011.
But Mexico, Venezuela, Peru and Colombia still have the traditional-style fights available.
Those who support the traditional style consider it a noble art and traditionally rich, resulting in the steadfast hunger strike.
One apprentice, 23-year-old Andres Manrique, told The Independent he has already lost 13 pounds.
"I'll be here until my body gives out," he said.
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