Bolivias State of Emergency Lifting Raises Questions About Blockade Rules

Bolivia Declares State of Emergency Amid Ongoing Protests

President Rodrigo Paz has declared a state of emergency in Bolivia, allowing for the deployment of military forces to support police efforts during the ongoing anti-government protests. The Legislative Assembly approved the decree on Saturday, which prohibits blocking streets and highways that affect transportation and supplies.

The order also permits the armed forces to assist police in restoring order, reopening roads, and protecting the population. This comes as protesters have been calling for Paz’s resignation due to austerity measures, including the reduction of fuel subsidies earlier this year.

On Sunday, officials and protest leaders signed an agreement to lift a blockade in the town of San Julian in Santa Cruz, while a federation of groups representing rural and Indigenous residents announced a pause in protests in La Paz. However, they maintained that their demands have not been met.

The protests, which began five weeks ago, have resulted in road blockades that have stranded trucks and disrupted supplies of food, fuel, and medicines to many areas. At least 17 people have died, with many linked to disruptions in medical care caused by the blockages. Authorities report 365 arrests and 37 injuries.

The national highway authority reported no active protest blockades on Sunday, but warned that many roads require significant clean-up and repair. Police and military forces remain deployed across the country.

Source: Al Jazeera