Bolivian police honored officers killed in protests by Morales supporters. Police Commander vowed to find and arrest those responsible. The ongoing demonstrations focus on economic issues and the controversial ambitions of Morales, intensifying the nation’s political crisis.
The Bolivian police held a memorial service on Saturday to honor officers killed amid violent roadblock protests, primarily led by supporters of former President Evo Morales. Police Chief Augusto Russo emphasized the commitment to find those responsible, asserting, “We will spare no effort to identify, arrest, and present to the authorities those cowards who took the lives of our comrades.” The ceremony took place at the National Police Academy (Anapol) in La Paz.
The service was dedicated to Second Lieutenant Christian Calle, 22, and firefighter Sergeant Jesús Mamani, both of whom received posthumous promotions. After a ceremonial mass, police officials honored the deceased by presenting medals, service caps, and the national flag to their mourning families. Young officers also formed a procession to bid farewell with white handkerchiefs as the funeral farewell concluded.
This tragic event follows the deaths of four officers during escalating clashes between security forces and Morales supporters. On Wednesday, three officers lost their lives while attempting to reach the town of Llallagua, where local residents were targeted for trying to clear blockades. A fourth officer died in Cochabamba after alleged protesters detonated an explosive attached to him.
The protests have led to significant road blockades, complicating transportation between Bolivia’s competing regions. Protesters cite economic grievances like rising inflation and shortages of fuel and currency. However, the government claims their ultimate aim is to push for Morales’ “unconstitutional” return to power, demanding President Luis Arce’s resignation.
Some highways have reopened thanks to coordinated efforts by police and military units, following nearly two weeks of unrest. Yet, substantial blockades remain, particularly in the Cochabamba department, which serves as a stronghold for Morales’ supporters, continuing to disrupt critical transport routes.
Morales, who served from 2006 to 2019, is publicly defying legal setbacks regarding his ambitions for another presidential term. Although Bolivia’s Constitutional Court recently ruled he cannot run for a fourth term consecutively, Morales continues to navigate political strife with the Arce administration, even after stepping away from the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party.
This ongoing turmoil further complicates Bolivia’s political landscape, creating a rift within the ruling party and posing questions about the stability of its democratic processes in a time of unprecedented crisis.
In summary, Bolivia is grappling with a turbulent political climate as it mourns fallen officers from clashes tied to Morales supporters. Police leadership has vowed to seek justice against the perpetrators of these violent acts. As ongoing protests disrupt critical infrastructure and further deepen political divisions, the stability of Bolivia’s democracy remains in jeopardy amidst Morales’ contentious return to the political arena.
Original Source: efe.com
