Bolivia’s legislature passes law allowing use of troops against protesters
Summary
Bolivia’s legislature passed a law that lets President Rodrigo Paz use the military to remove roadblocks set up by protesters. The new law also says that soldiers’ actions are considered legal unless proven otherwise. Protesters have been blocking roads, causing shortages of food and medicine amid unrest over economic issues.Key Facts
- Bolivia’s Chamber of Deputies approved a law giving President Paz power to use the military against protest roadblocks.
- The Senate had previously approved this law, and it is expected to be signed by the president.
- The military has only supported riot police in protests until now; this law allows soldiers to act more directly.
- Roadblocks by protesters have caused shortages of food and medicine across Bolivia.
- Soldiers will have “presumption of legality,” meaning their actions are legal unless shown otherwise.
- Protesters include farmers, miners, and transportation unions upset about inflation, low wages, and ending fuel subsidies.
- President Paz is a center-right leader supported by the US and aims to handle the country’s economic crisis.
- A US-backed coalition has expressed support for Paz’s government during the protests.
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