Mass protests in Colombia continued on Wednesday despite President Ivan Duque withdrawing the proposed tax reform and a week of deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

Student unions, indigenous people, and other groups assembled in the major cities of Colombia, namely Bogota, Medellin, and Cali during the eighth day of nationwide anti-government demonstrations, France 24 reported.

The controversial tax reform was not the only reason the protesters are on the streets. They are also protesting on several government policies concerning health, security, education, and the violence by law enforcement officers.

RELATED ARTICLE: Protests Erupt in Colombia Over Proposed Tax Reform Amid Pandemic

Colombia's Mass Protests Continues

Al Jazeera reported that the protests in downtown Bogota began on Apr. 28 following a call from the National Strike Committee that represents groups such as unions, civil associations, and indigenous people.

One protester shared with the outlet that they will continue the protest even though the tax reform that prompted the demonstration was already withdrawn.

"Yes, they've withdrawn the reform, but they haven't changed it," said Olga Cabos, a 48-year-old emerald trade union worker.

Based on the official figure, at least 19 people have already died, with over 800 others injured during the week of clashes. Around 89 people were also reported as missing.

But Colombia's human rights ombudsman reported that about 24 people have already died, while NGO Temblores estimated that about 37 people had been killed.

Despite this, mass protests in Colombia continued and getting even more violent. Riot police fired tear gas at the protesters in Bogota to disperse them on Wednesday afternoon, Reuters reported. It happened after protesters attacked police stations in the capital.

On late Monday, protesters in Cali claimed that police opened fire in an attempt to disperse the crowd. On-the-ground sources told Al Jazeera that police indiscriminately shot at protesters, even from helicopters.

The office of Bogota's Mayor told France 24 that about 16 policemen were injured amid numerous attacks on police stations. The Mayor's office further noted that a mob tried to burn 10 police officers alive by setting fire to a small police station.

In Cali, the worst incident broke out on Monday night when five people were reported dead and 30 individuals were hurt during the demonstration.

The ombudsman labeled the ESMAD riot squad as "presumed responsible" for the 11 deaths of individuals, including a boy. Authorities also reported vandalism and robbing.

"There will be no truce with those [vandalism and looting] who commit these crimes," said Ivan Duque.

Beyond the Mass Protests

More than two dozen police stations in Bogota have suffered overnight. Meanwhile, officials from the United States, United Nations, and European Union have denounced the movement of the police officers, particularly the opening fire on the demonstrators.

Ivan Duque noted that the authorities has already made 550 arrests for engaging in acts of vandalism and looting during the Colombia's mass protest. 

Political analyst Sergio Guzman noted that a lot of the protesters' demands are unrealistic. 

"Demands such as universal basic income are not feasible under any scenario," said Guzman.

READ MORE: Colombia's Finance Minister Quits After Tax Reform Plan Withdrawn

WATCH: Colombian Police Use Tear Gas in Protest Against Tax Reform Bill - From Sharjah24 News