Bolivia: Officials Weigh Troop Withdrawal Amidst Cochabamba Unrest

Bolivia: Judicial and Fiscal Personnel Consider Retreat from Cochabamba Tropics Amidst Rising Tensions Cochabamba, Bolivia – Rising tensions in the Cochabamba Tropics have prompted Bolivian authorities to consider a strategic withdrawal of judicial and fiscal personnel from the volatile region. The decision, announced this week, prioritizes the safety of personnel and the maintenance of institutional stability amid ongoing protests and blockades. President of the Supreme Court of Justice, Omar Saucedo, stated, "This entity does not rule out withdrawing judges and judicial personnel from the Cochabamba Tropics to protect their safety." Saucedo emphasized that ensuring the safety and functioning of institutions in this region is the executive branch's responsibility. Meanwhile, the state's Attorney General, Roger Mariaca, confirmed that the withdrawal of prosecutors from the Tropics has been authorized to safeguard their safety. He added that some personnel have chosen to remain to maintain order. Mariaca also requested that protective measures for those remaining be reinforced. The situation underscores the significant challenges faced by authorities in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of public officials in the face of escalating political unrest.