IACHR expresses its concern about attacks on the press during blockades in Bolivia

The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (RELE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expressed this Saturday its concern about the attacks on the press in the coverage of the operations and road blockades by the followers of former President Evo. Morales (2006-2019).

“RELE expresses its concern about attacks on the press during coverage of demonstrations and blockades. It urges the authorities to protect journalists and investigate acts of violence, and calls on civilians in the blockades to respect their work” , this international organization published on its X account.

Morales’ followers have maintained a road blockade for 20 days in central Bolivia, despite the fact that the day before a police and military operation cleared the main point of the pressure measure in Cochabamba.

At least four journalists were injured between Tuesday and Friday during operations to clear the roads carried out by the Police and the Army.

Loyalists of the former president held three press workers on Tuesday, beating them and taking their recording equipment, while a photojournalist had a heart attack after a dynamite – manipulated by a blockade – detonated nearby.

“It must be especially kept in mind that journalists, cameramen, photojournalists and communicators who cover the protests fulfill the function of collecting and disseminating information about what is happening in demonstrations and protests,” RELE stated on its networks.

“Freedom of expression protects the right to record and disseminate any incident,” added the international organization.

Former President Morales asked the allied sectors the day before to consider pausing the blockades to avoid “bloody events” in the face of the police and military action on Friday, however they decided to continue with the measure.

President Luis Arce stated that “no dialogue is possible as long as the economy continues to be suffocated.”

Morales’ followers demand with the blockades that the judicial proceedings against their leader for human trafficking and rape be withdrawn, the economic problems be resolved and in defense of the politician’s presidential candidacy for the 2025 elections.

Arce and Morales have been estranged since 2021 due to differences in the State administration that deepened due to the need to renew the national leadership of the MAS and elect the official candidate for the 2025 elections.