A police officer was killed and another severely injured during clashes on Wednesday between followers of ex-president Evo Morales and law enforcement in Bolivia. The protests, which began over Morales’s exclusion from the upcoming elections, have escalated into broader discontent regarding President Luis Arce’s handling of an economic crisis. The situation remains tense as investigations into Morales’s actions continue.
On Wednesday, tensions erupted in Bolivia as clashes between supporters of former president Evo Morales and the police resulted in the tragic death of a police officer and serious injury to another. The government confirmed the incident occurred in Llallagua, where followers of Morales have been disrupting key roads since June 2. Their protests sparked in response to electoral authorities blocking Morales from running for a fourth term in the upcoming elections on August 17.
The unrest has snowballed into a broader discontent toward President Luis Arce’s handling of a worsening economic situation, which is highlighted by significant shortages in hard currency and fuel. Deputy Interior Minister Jhonny Aguilera stated, “shots were fired, one (officer) lost their life and another is gravely injured.” Additionally, the day before, 15 civilians and two police officers sustained injuries during violent confrontations between protesters and local residents in Llallagua.
As of Wednesday, authorities reported 21 roadblocks set up across the nation, a decrease from 29, but indicative of the ongoing tensions. Morales, who led Bolivia from 2006 until his resignation in 2019, has been prevented by the Constitutional Court from seeking re-election. Despite this, he attempted, unsuccessfully, to register his candidacy last month.
The current government has accused Morales of attempting to undermine the electoral process by inciting protests and calling for blockades. President Arce characterized the protesters’ strategy as one aimed at encircling La Paz to impose a “hunger” submission on the capital. In response, he announced a combined military and police operation to remove blockades from major highways.
The day prior, the attorney general claimed Morales is under investigation for “terrorism” due to charges of inciting these protests. Morales, who has been living in hiding in his stronghold in Chapare since October, faces serious allegations related to a case involving a minor.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced of additional clashes in Parotani, just north of Llallagua, where police faced off against Morales supporters as frustration with the government’s policies continues to grow. Morales, as Bolivia’s first Indigenous president and one of Latin America’s longest-serving leaders, resigned in 2019 following attempts to extend his executive power, a controversial move that sparked protests and accusations of electoral fraud.
The situation in Bolivia escalates as protests led by Evo Morales’ supporters continue, resulting in violence and fatalities. With the government accusing Morales of terrorism and inciting unrest, the conflict reflects larger economic grievances affecting the nation. Morales remains a polarizing figure in Bolivian politics, maintaining significant support despite legal challenges and a ban on his candidacy, as the government works to clear the roadblocks and restore order.
Original Source: www.yahoo.com
