Bomb explodes near Bogota bullring in Colombia

New York [USA], Feb. 20(ANI) : An explosion near the Santamaria bullfighting ring in downtown Bogota, Colombia, injured at least 31 people. According to CNN, two of the 31 were seriously injured, Mayor Enrique Peñalosa tweeted, "At least 10 police officers were hurt, according to the Bogota police press office." A dozen suspects were taken into custody. "The terrorists won't intimidate us. And we're going to do everything necessary to capture them," Peñalosa said in another tweet. Footage aired by local media showed dozens of police in fluorescent yellow jackets converging at the base of a highrise near the plaza, blocking off streets and directing pedestrians away from the scene. The stadium is located in the La Macarena neighborhood of the Colombian capital. It was not clear who was behind the blast. Bullfighting has long been a contentious issue in Colombia. On one side are Colombians who say the events are art, part of the country's culture and tradition. Opponents call it animal abuse, and say they want the city-owned bullring to be converted into a space for cultural and educational events. In 2012, then-Bogota Mayor Gustavo Petro essentially banned bullfighting by suspending the city's contract with the Bullfighting Corporation of Bogota. But the constitutional court overturned Petro's decision, siding with those who say bullfighting is a form of artistic expression. Bullfights are held on Sundays in January and February in Colombia. (ANI)