After a week of the imprisonment of former interim president Jeanine Áñez, the tension in Bolivia has not ceased with official marches that repudiate the alleged “coup d’etat” of 2019 and a civic council that calls for the cessation of what is considered “political persecution “against opponents, so the Canadian government issued a travel warning.
“Demonstrations are scheduled to take place at the national level in the last week of March in Bolivia. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are held. Please note that local authorities may impose some restrictions ”, warns the Government of Canada on its travel page.
In Bolivia, polarization has remained at a high point, although for now there have been no reports of clashes between sides demanding “justice” for the deaths of Sacaba (Cochabamba) and Senkata (El Alto) during the social crisis that triggered Evo’s resignation. Morales to the Presidency and those who question the actions of the Government of President Luis Arce.
Preventive measures and restrictions, including a nationwide curfew, have been put in place from midnight on March 21 until the end of the month.
Persecution, on both sides
According to Human Rights Watch (HRW) “it is paradoxical that the former interim president of Bolivia Jeanine Áñez is being detained, among others, for the crime of terrorism. During his government, which ended in November, prosecutors used the same definition of “terrorism,” which is excessively broad and ambiguous in Bolivian law, to persecute his predecessor, Evo Morales. Both cases highlight the risks involved in a justice system that responds to the power of the day, and the urgent need to promote a profound reform ”.
In a report released this week, the non-profit, non-governmental human rights organization The lack of independence of the Bolivian justice system worsened during the 14 years Morales was in power. During the Añez government, there was no improvement. On the contrary, his government publicly pressured prosecutors to further its political interests, which resulted in criminal investigations for sedition or terrorism against more than 100 supporters of the Movement for Socialism (MAS). Many of those cases were motivated by political interests.
The file of more than 1,500 pages against Morales did not contain any evidence that he had committed acts that could effectively qualify as terrorism. “Similarly, the terrorism charges against Áñez, which we also examine, are unfounded,” adds HRW.
“During the Áñez government, we urged the Public Ministry to drop capricious and abusive charges, including against Evo Morales, and to respect the human rights of all, without selectivity. Today, before the Arce government, we make the same call, ”Human Rights Watch said in a statement.
Travel at your own risk
Ottawa ensures that it takes the safety of Canadians abroad very seriously and that it provides reliable and timely information in its Travel Advice so that Canadians can make well-informed decisions regarding their travel abroad, but warns that “the The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad ”.
It also warns that labour demonstrations and strikes occur frequently, often with little or no notification. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any moment. They can also cause disruptions to traffic and public transportation. “Protesters have used dynamite during previous protests,” he adds.
It also prevents theft and theft of wallets, common in large cities. “Robberies and robberies occur in tourist destinations and thieves often attack foreigners. Take special care when walking through the tourist areas of La Paz, such as Sagarnaga Street, the surroundings of the San Francisco Church and the historic Jaén Street, and when walking around La Paz, such as the Muela del Diablo ”. And he warns of the tense situation that exists along the border between Bolivia and Peru.
“If you need consular assistance abroad, we will do everything possible to help you. However, there may be restrictions that will limit the Canadian government’s ability to provide services, ”he adds.
By Silvia Méndez
