AFP – Dozens of people were arrested in Bolivia during clashes between supporters of former president Evo Morales, who set up more than 20 roadblocks across the country, and the police, the government said.
Supporters of Morales, who is under investigation for allegedly abusing a minor during his time in office, began erecting roadblocks mid-October to prevent his possible arrest.
The roadblocks disrupted fuel supplies with the state oil company last week saying that 570 tanker trucks had been stranded on roads blocked by Morales’ loyalists.
The government said at least 44 protesters were arrested on Friday when more than 1,700 police officers were deployed to dismantle the roadblocks. Fourteen police officers were injured, it added.
Around 20 other protesters had been arrested in preceding days, authorities said.
“The police have made substantial progress, unblocking at least 12 points” on roads blocked by demonstrators, Interior Minister Eduardo Del Castillo told a press conference. “The objectives set have been achieved,” he added.
While the initial aim of the demonstrations was to prevent the possible arrest of Morales, they were now protesting against the economic management of the government of President Luis Arce.
Morales, 65, is now the main opponent of Arce, 61, with whom he is fighting for the ruling party’s candidacy for the 2025 presidential elections.
He has described the investigation against him as “yet another lie” and claims he is the victim of judicial persecution led by the government.
His lawyers said the case had already been examined and closed in 2020.
