Bolivia Protests Turn Violent: Morales Supporters Clash with Police in La Paz

Protests Turn Violent in La Paz as Morales Supporters Clash with Police La Paz, Bolivia – Tensions escalated sharply in La Paz this week as supporters of former Bolivian President Evo Morales engaged in violent clashes with security forces. The protests, centered around the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, focused on demands to allow Morales to run in the upcoming August 17th presidential elections. This, despite rulings by the Constitutional Court barring any official from seeking a second term, whether consecutive or not. "Manifestantes lanzan objetos y enfrentan a la policía en protestas en Bolivia." This caption, seen in the video, summarizes the scene of protestors throwing objects and confronting police. The video shows a chaotic scene of protestors and police in a tense standoff. According to Colonel Roger Montaño, head of police operations, approximately 20 protestors were arrested for their involvement in the violence. Colonel Montaño stated that "los manifestantes retenidos habían lanzado petardos y piedras," indicating that those detained threw firecrackers and rocks, injuring three police officers. The video itself provides visual confirmation of these claims. The protests underscore the deep political divisions within Bolivia and the ongoing debate surrounding Morales' political future. The events highlight the challenges facing the country as it prepares for the upcoming elections.