A policeman was killed and another injured during clashes in Bolivia between law enforcement and supporters of ex-president Evo Morales, amidst protests against his electoral exclusion. The unrest stems from opposition to President Luis Arce amid a severe economic crisis. Morales is under investigation for allegedly inciting violence, while protests grow more intense across the country.
Tensions escalated in Bolivia on Wednesday as clashes broke out between the police and supporters of former president Evo Morales, resulting in the tragic death of one officer and serious injuries to another. This altercation occurred while police attempted to dismantle roadblocks set up by Morales’ supporters, who have been protesting since June 2 against the electoral authority’s decision to prohibit him from running for a fourth term in the upcoming elections scheduled for August 17.
These protests have spiraled into a broader backlash against President Luis Arce’s administration, primarily focused on discontent over a worsening economic crisis characterized by significant shortages of both hard currency and fuel. Deputy Interior Minister Jhonny Aguilera confirmed the fatalities in the town of Llallagua, stating, “shots were fired, one (officer) lost their life and another is gravely injured.”
The violence was not limited to Wednesday. A day prior, skirmishes in Llallagua resulted in injuries to at least 15 civilians along with two police officers, as residents clashed with Morales’ adherents blocking the roads. According to the National Roads Authority, the number of active roadblocks around the nation fell to 21 on Wednesday from 29 just a day earlier.
Morales, who governed Bolivia from 2006 until his controversial resignation in November 2019, has been barred from running again by the Constitutional Court. Although he attempted to register as a candidate last month, his efforts were unsuccessful. The current government alleges that Morales is attempting to undermine the electoral process by promoting blockades to instigate disorder.
Amid this chaos, President Arce accused the protesters of aiming to “encircle La Paz to force it into submission through hunger,” while also announcing a joint police and military operation to clear a critical highway, outlining plans for subsequent actions. Meanwhile, Bolivia’s attorney general indicated that Morales is under investigation for allegedly inciting protest-related violence, labelled as “terrorism.”
Morales has been residing in his stronghold of Chapare, strategically avoiding arrest stemming from accusations connected to allegations of child trafficking involving a minor. These allegations assert that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old, claiming he fathered her child during his presidency, which he has vehemently denied.
Clashes reportedly continued elsewhere, with Peruvian media covering scuffles between Morales supporters and law enforcement in Parotani, situated north of Llallagua. Morales remains a pivotal figure in Bolivia, having historically represented Indigenous populations and held a significant political presence, notwithstanding his ousting and subsequent legal troubles.
The situation in Bolivia illustrates deepening unrest linked to Evo Morales’ political aspirations and frustrations over economic hardships. With the death of a police officer in clashes and ongoing investigations into Morales for inciting violence, Bolivia’s political landscape is fraught with tension. The government’s moves to quell protests emphasize the growing divide and volatile state of affairs as elections approach. As Morales seeks to maintain his influence, the response from the government indicates a firm stand against unrest.
Original Source: www.yahoo.com
