Escalation in Bolivia
Supporters of ex-president hold 200 soldiers hostage
In Bolivia, supporters of the left-wing ex-president Evo Morales are holding at least 200 soldiers hostage, according to the government. Protests began with road blockades to prevent the arrest of Morales, who is accused of raping a 15-year-old girl during his time in office.
The former coca grower rejects the accusations and describes them as an attempt to prevent him from returning to power. On Friday evening, there was still talk of 20 detained soldiers. Morales himself announced that he would go on hunger strike - "until the government (...) sets up negotiating tables", the politician told reporters in the Chapare region on Friday.
Although he is not allowed to run again according to the constitution, Morales wants to challenge his former ally and current opponent President Luis Arce and run for the left-wing MAS in the presidential election next August. Arce had long been considered a confidant of Morales. The economist and university lecturer was Bolivia's finance and economy minister during Morales' presidency (2006 to 2016).
Street battles with police
Morales' supporters have been protesting for weeks. On Friday, dozens of police officers were injured in street battles. After 19 days of road blockades in the South American country, the police had previously taken action against the demonstrators in the central Bolivian region of Cochabamba (see picture above). Tear gas was used.
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