Bolivia Honors Fallen Officers Amid Deadly Roadblock Clashes Linked to Morales Supporters

The Bolivian police paid tribute to officers killed in protests linked to Evo Morales’s supporters, with vows to find those responsible. The continuing roadblock demonstrations reflect rising political tensions over economic concerns and fuel a fragile political crisis in Bolivia.

The Bolivian police force held a memorial service on Saturday to honor officers who lost their lives during violent roadblock protests linked to supporters of former President Evo Morales. Commander Augusto Russo pledged that the police will “spare no effort” in bringing those responsible for the officers’ deaths to justice. He described the attackers as “cowards and murderers,” emphasizing that the police have the resources to locate the culprits.

The tribute specifically celebrated Second Lieutenant Christian Calle, 22, and Sergeant Jesús Mamani, both of whom were posthumously promoted. The ceremony began with a mass beside their caskets and transitioned into a formal recognition event, where police leaders awarded medals and presented the national flag to family members. Younger officers bid farewell as the funeral procession departed, creating a corridor and waving white handkerchiefs in a poignant gesture of respect.

The previous day, officers Carlos Apata and Brayan Barroso were also laid to rest, all four having died amid clashes in various parts of Bolivia. Just last Wednesday, three officers suffered fatal injuries while attempting to reach Llallagua, where demonstrators had violently blocked local residents from clearing roads. In another incident, an officer in Cochabamba reportedly died after protesters detonated an explosive device attached to his body after detaining him.

The protests are characterized by extensive blockades impacting key routes between Bolivia’s eastern and western areas. Demonstrators are voicing concerns over economic issues, such as fuel shortages, inflation, and currency difficulties. However, the government led by President Luis Arce maintains that the underlying goal of the protests is to push for Morales’s return and stimulate his “unconstitutional” bid for a presidential candidacy.

Authorities report that while some highways have been reopened following police and military interventions, significant blockades in the central department of Cochabamba, a stronghold for Morales and his allies, persist. These blockades continue to disrupt essential transport routes, further complicating the situation.

Despite facing legal hurdles, Evo Morales, who previously served three terms from 2006 to 2019, is still advocating for another presidential run. However, Bolivia’s Constitutional Court has made it clear that the law only allows for a single consecutive re-election, thus blocking his chances for a fourth term. Additionally, although Morales distanced himself from the MAS party in late 2023, he is still engaged in frequent disputes with Arce’s administration over policy direction and control of the party amid the ongoing political crisis.

In summary, Bolivia is grappling with significant unrest involving roadblock protests that have resulted in the tragic loss of police officers’ lives. As tensions rise over economic concerns and political motivations linked to former President Morales, law enforcement remains resolved to bring the responsible parties to justice. The volatile situation highlights the ongoing divisions within Bolivia’s political landscape, once again raising alarms about its democratic stability.

Original Source: efe.com