The response from the Rodrigo Paz government
After overcoming the most critical stage of the conflict, the government declared a state of emergency for 90 days and reached agreements with COB leaders to lift the blockades.
The Bolivian judiciary ordered six months of preventive detention for Vicente Salazar, one of the main promoters of the blockades that paralyzed the country for almost 50 days and caused severe economic losses and shortages
After overcoming the most critical stage of the conflict, the government declared a state of emergency for 90 days and reached agreements with COB leaders to lift the blockades.
The Bolivian Justice system ordered on Monday six months of preventive detention for leader Vicente Salazar, head of the Túpac Katari Federation of Peasants of La Paz and one of the main promoters of the roadblocks that paralyzed the country for almost 50 days.
The judge ordered his transfer to the Chonchocoro prison while investigations proceed for alleged crimes of public instigation to commit crimes, criminal association, terrorism, attacks against the safety of transportation, and attacks against public services.
The judicial decision represents support for President Rodrigo Paz's strategy, which seeks to restore institutional order and sanction those responsible for a protest that generated serious economic and social consequences throughout the country.
The blockades were initially promoted by the peasant organization led by Salazar and later received support from sectors linked to Evo Morales and the Bolivian Workers' Central.
For almost seven weeks, the protests caused shortages of food, fuel, and essential supplies, in addition to severely affecting industry, transportation, and tourism.
According to official data, the conflict left at least 14 dead, some of them due to the inability to receive timely medical attention because of the road closures.
The Paz administration also opened working tables with various union sectors to channel their demands within the institutional framework, while investigations continue into those who promoted the roadblocks.
The Minister of Government, Marco Antonio Oviedo, assured that the investigations will continue and that “everyone who has to answer to justice must do so without exception.”
The preventive detention of Salazar sends a clear signal that the government of Rodrigo Paz will not allow organized groups to paralyze the country again through forceful measures that affect supply, free movement, and the safety of citizens.
In a context of deep economic crisis, the Executive seeks to consolidate the recovery of institutional normality and prevent new attempts at destabilization driven by sectors demanding the president's resignation.
With the preventive detention of the peasant leader and ongoing investigations against other promoters of the blockades, the Bolivian government attempts to close one of the most tense political and social episodes in recent years.