Clashes in Bolivia challenge interim government; 5 dead
SACABA, Bolivia — Bolivian security forces clashed with supporters of former President Evo Morales in a central town Friday, leaving at least five people dead, dozens more injured and escalating the challenge to the country’s interim government to restore stability.
Hospital director Guadalberto Lara said that most of the dead and injured in the town of Sacaba had bullet wounds. Witnesses said police opened fire on protesters calling for the return of Morales from exile in Mexico.
“It’s very unfortunate,” Lara said, calling it the worst violence he’s seen in his 30-year career.
Thousands of largely indigenous protesters, many coca leaf growers, had gathered peacefully in Sacaba in the morning. But fighting began when many tried to cross a military checkpoint near the city of Cochabamba, where Morales’ supporters and foes have clashed for weeks.
Morales, who has been granted asylum in Mexico, said on Twitter that a “massacre” had occurred and he described Bolivia’s interim government as a dictatorship.
Bolivia’s Ombudsman’s Office called on the interim government to investigate if the security forces had acted within the constitution and international protocols on human rights.
In the capital of La Paz, riot police fired tear gas at rock-throwing demonstrators.
The violence came as Bolivia’s interim leader said Morales will face possible legal charges for election fraud if he returns home, even as the ousted leader contended he is still president despite resigning after massive protests against him.
Interim President Jeanine Anez had said Thursday that Morales would not be allowed to participate in upcoming presidential elections meant to heal the Andean nation’s political standoff.
Morales stepped down Sunday following nationwide protests over suspected vote-rigging in an Oct. 20 election in which he claimed to have won a fourth term in office. An Organization of American States audit of the vote found widespread irregularities.
On Thursday, Morales said that while he had submitted his resignation, it was never accepted by Congress.
“I can say that I’m still president,” he said.