President of Bolivia declares state of emergency due to massive road blockades and fuel shortage
Kyiv • UNN
President of Bolivia Rodrigo Paz declares state of emergency due to five-week protests. The military has been authorized to unblock roads amid fuel and food shortages.
President of Bolivia Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency amid massive protests and road blockades that led to disruptions in the supply of fuel and food in the country. This is reported by the Associated Press, writes UNN.
Details
According to the president, the new regime grants the military additional powers to unblock roads and restore transport links between regions.
Protests in Bolivia have been ongoing for five weeks. Demonstrators demand the resignation of the head of state due to the government's economic reforms, particularly the cancellation of fuel subsidies. According to authorities, at least 365 people have been detained during the unrest, and another 37 have been injured.
Blockades caused shortages of fuel and food
Due to the blocking of key highways, the country's capital, La Paz, has become virtually isolated. Cities are experiencing shortages of fuel and food, as well as problems with providing medical assistance.
This is not a state of emergency to restrict people's lives. This is a state of emergency to return people their freedom
According to human rights activists and the office of the Ombudsman of Bolivia, at least 17 people have died as a result of the protests. Authorities claim that some deaths are related to the inability to receive timely medical care due to the transport collapse.
The decree on the state of emergency prohibits road blockades and allows the army to support the police in restoring traffic and ensuring public order.