A police officer was killed and another injured during clashes with supporters of Evo Morales, former president of Bolivia. Protests erupted over the refusal to allow him to run for election amid a rising economic crisis. The situation is escalating with Morales accused of inciting chaos, and the government conducting operations to clear roadblocks set by protesters.
In Bolivia, a tragic clash on Wednesday resulted in the death of a policeman and left another in critical condition. The violence erupted as police and followers of former President Evo Morales engaged during an effort to clear blockades that had been set up as a form of protest against the electoral authority’s refusal to let Morales run in the August elections. The situation has escalated since Morales’s supporters began protesting on June 2, pushing for a fourth term which the courts blocked.
The protests reflect broader dissatisfaction with President Luis Arce’s handling of a growing economic crisis characterized by severe shortages of essential resources. Deputy Interior Minister Jhonny Aguilera reported the grim details from Llallagua, where gunfire led to one officer dead and another seriously wounded. On top of that, the previous day, at least 15 civilians and two police officers were hurt in another altercation sparked by roadblocks set by Morales’s supporters.
The national roads authority reported a slight reduction in the number of blockades across Bolivia, from 29 to 21, as authorities worked to regain control. Morales, barred from running by the Constitutional Court despite attempting to register as a candidate last month, is accused by the government of trying to incite chaos ahead of the elections.
President Arce has emphasized that the protesters aim to disrupt the capital, La Paz, with hunger tactics, announcing new joint operations involving police and military to dismantle the current blockades on key highways. The tension is palpable. Meanwhile, the Attorney General has opened an investigation into Morales for alleged “terrorism” due to his role in inciting unrest.
Evo Morales, who became Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, remains out of sight in Chapare as he navigates serious legal troubles, specifically facing allegations of inappropriate conduct with a minor which he denies. There have been reports of additional clashes elsewhere, notably in Parotani. The shift toward radical protests is reminiscent of Morales’s vibrant, tumultuous history in office. Following his resignation in 2019 amid controversy over extending his power, he has maintained strong support, especially within Indigenous communities, despite the political turmoil surrounding him.
The conflicts in Bolivia reflect deep-seated issues surrounding political leadership and economic strife. Morales’s supporters, fueled by frustration over economic hardships and a denied electoral path, are mobilizing, resulting in tragic violence and serious accusations against the former president. As the situation unfolds, both the government and law enforcement face mounting challenges in restoring order while navigating significant public dissent, making Bolivia’s political landscape increasingly volatile.
Original Source: www.yahoo.com
