The violent protests recorded in Bolivia against the government of Rodrigo Paz have already left at least 127 detained and several police officers injured after clashes between protesters and security forces in various parts of La Paz and other regions of the country. The government denounced that behind the disturbances there is a coordinated attempt at destabilization driven by sectors linked to Evo Morales.
The most serious incidents occurred in the vicinity of Plaza Murillo, the seat of Bolivian political power, where groups of protesters attempted to advance towards government buildings while throwing stones, homemade explosives, and dynamite cartridges at police officers. Security forces responded by using tear gas and dispersal operations to prevent the violent groups from taking control of the area.
According to Bolivian authorities, several police officers were injured during the attacks, some of them with injuries caused by explosions and blunt objects. Images released by local media showed damaged vehicles, destroyed streets, and intense clashes in various sectors of the capital.
The Ministry of Government also confirmed the detention of 127 people accused of participating in acts of violence, attacks against security forces, and damage to public property. Some of those arrested have been identified as members of radicalized groups linked to organizations affiliated with former president Evo Morales known as the Ponchos Rojos.
