The government links him to the protests that disrupted traffic for more than seven weeks and caused severe economic losses, shortages, and clashes with security forces
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The Bolivian Police arrested leftist peasant leader Vicente Salazar this Saturday, identified as one of the main organizers of the roadblocks that affected circulation in various regions of the country for more than seven weeks.
The capture occurred as part of the investigations opened by the Prosecutor's Office of the Rodrigo Paz government regarding the mobilizations that paralyzed transportation, generated shortages of essential products, and caused significant economic losses.
According to authorities, the leader is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the planning and coordination of the roadblocks driven by sectors aligned with former dictator Evo Morales. The investigation includes possible crimes related to the interruption of public services, obstruction of communication routes, and other events that occurred during the protests.
Supporters of Evo Morales blocking a road
The blockades began in mid-May and lasted for more than fifty days, affecting the main roads connecting the west and east of the country.
During that period, there were difficulties in supplying food, fuel, medicines, and other basic products, as well as delays in the transportation of goods and exports. The government stated that the Evo Morales protests caused millions in losses for various productive sectors.
The arrest is part of a series of operations carried out after security forces managed to restore circulation on most of the blocked routes.
In recent weeks, the Prosecutor's Office confirmed that more than 300 people remain under investigation for their alleged participation in the events recorded during the conflict, while evidence continues to be gathered to determine the individual responsibilities of each of those involved.
Bolivians protesting against the Evo Morales blockades
Authorities indicated that the detainee will be made available to the Justice system, which will define his legal situation in the coming hours. Meanwhile, the Public Ministry continues to advance with other cases related to the episodes of violence recorded during the mobilizations, which included clashes between protesters and police forces in various parts of the country.
After the lifting of the blockades, the government of President Rodrigo Paz initiated a phase aimed at normalizing economic activity and ensuring free transit on national roads. At the same time, authorities reiterated that investigations will continue until all those responsible for the protests that paralyzed the country for several weeks and affected the functioning of essential services are identified.
