Massive protests continue to rock Bolivia and are spreading well beyond the capital La Paz. A planned session of the country’s Congress was postponed for a second straight day and indigenous-led protests have blockaded roads in various areas of the country. Jim Schultz of the Democracy Center in Cochabamba is now reporting that the country is heading for what he calls a “national shutdown.” Several governments, including the US, have issued travel warnings for Bolivia. Meanwhile, one of the most prominent opposition figures, Evo Morales, is warning that right-wing forces in the country may attempt to seize power in a military coup in an effort to prevent the indigenous led protesters from bringing down the US-backed government and taking power. At the center of the protests are the rights of the country’s majority indigenous population.
Bolivia Heads Toward 'National Shutdown'
HeadlineJun 02, 2005