For the past week, demonstrations over a proposed tax reform in Colombia have continued, despite the government pulling the controversial bill.

Demonstrations were reignited by the death of a young activist, 22-year-old Nicolas Guerrero, who was reportedly shot in the head by Colombian authorities.

Protesters took to the streets in a number of cities, chanting "stop the massacre," following the news of the death of Guerrero, who was killed in Cali.

The demonstrations stretched from Cali, southwest Colombia, to Bogota, the capital, and later to the cities of Medellin and Barranquilla in the north.

Prior to the withdrawal of the controversial tax reform bill by Colombian President, Ivan Duque Sunday, the bill triggered four days of protests and strikes.

In a televised statement, Duque said his government would work to produce improved proposals and would seek consensus with other parties and organizations.

Previously, he had insisted tax rises were needed to respond to the economic crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, this sparked anger among the masses, as tens of thousands of people took to the streets, infuriated by this decision.

Unions, who organised the protests, said the reform would disproportionately impact the poorest people who were already struggling with the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.

In turn, clashes between activists and the authorities left at least 19 protesters and a police officer dead, according to Colombia's human rights public advocate.

Duque's government has even deployed military forces to several areas to gain control over protests, including in Cali, where protests have transformed into riots and looting.

Several Colombian activists claim that security forces are using live ammunition.