Bolivia Policeman Killed in Clashes with Morales Backers

A police officer was killed and another injured during clashes in Bolivia between law enforcement and supporters of former president Evo Morales. Protests erupted due to Morales being barred from running in August elections, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with President Luis Arce amidst an economic crisis. As the situation escalates, the government has initiated operations to clear roadblocks related to these protests.

In a tragic escalation of tensions in Bolivia, a police officer was killed, and another seriously injured during clashes with supporters of former president Evo Morales. These incidents unfolded on Wednesday when law enforcement attempted to dismantle roadblocks erected by Morales’s backers, stemming from their dissatisfaction regarding his exclusion from the upcoming elections scheduled for August 17.

The unrest began on June 2, as Morales supporters organized blockades after electoral authorities prevented him from running for a fourth consecutive term. The protests have since evolved into a broader discontent against President Luis Arce’s administration, which is facing significant economic struggles, characterized by acute shortages of foreign currency and fuel.

Deputy Interior Minister Jhonny Aguilera reported, “Shots were fired, one (officer) lost their life and another is gravely injured” in Llallagua, a town situated in Bolivia’s southwest. In a previous confrontation in the same location, at least 15 civilians and two police officers sustained injuries as road blockades sparked violent exchanges between Morales supporters and residents trying to pass.

The national roads authority confirmed there were still 21 roadblocks across Bolivia, a reduction from 29 the day earlier. Morales, 65, whose tenure spanned from 2006 to 2019, has been ruled ineligible for re-election by the Constitutional Court but had made attempts last month to register as a candidate — which were unsuccessful.

The government accuses Morales of attempting to disrupt the electoral process by instigating chaos through the protests. President Arce commented on the situation, stating that the protesters aim to “encircle La Paz to force it into submission through hunger”. In response, authorities have initiated a joint police and military operation to clear vital highways, with more operations anticipated.

Adding to Morales’s woes, the attorney general announced on Monday that he is under investigation for “terrorism”, allegedly for inciting the ongoing protests. Morales, identified as the first Indigenous president of Bolivia, has been largely confined to his support base in Chapare since October, amidst allegations of serious crimes involving a minor, which he vehemently denies.

Reports from Peruvian media indicated that additional clashes occurred in Parotani, to the north of Llallagua, involving police and Morales supporters. Morales, who resigned in 2019 amidst controversy after attempting to extend his presidency, remains a figure of substantial influence in Bolivia, particularly among Indigenous populations who continue to rally behind him despite the political turmoil.

The situation in Bolivia is rapidly deteriorating following the death of a police officer amidst ongoing protests by supporters of Evo Morales, driven by his exclusion from the elections. The incidents reflect broader discontent with President Luis Arce’s leadership during a time of economic crisis. Allegations against Morales add complexity to the conflict as the government accuses him of inciting unrest and acting against electoral integrity. As Bolivia grapples with these escalating tensions, the potential for further violence looms in an already fraught political landscape.

Original Source: www.yahoo.com