04 Jun 2018 | 10:14 AM UTC
Bolivia: General strike and protests in El Alto June 4-5 /update 2
General strike - plus protests and roadblocks - in El Alto June 4-5; violence and significant disruptions possible
Event
A general strike - and associated protests and roadblocks - will take place in the city of El Alto (La Paz department) on Monday, June 4, and Tuesday, June 5. The strike comes following weeks of protests by students at the Public University of El Alto (Universidad Pública de El Alto; UPEA), which intensified following the May 24 death of a student protestor killed in clashes with police on the UPEA campus. Major traffic and commercial disruptions are possible, along with clashes between protesters and security forces (notably at roadblocks).
It should be noted that the city, located just to the west of La Paz, is home to the country’s main airport, El Alto International (LPB).
Associated protests elsewhere in the country cannot be ruled out.
Context
The student was killed on May 24 during a demonstration calling for an increased budget for UPEA.
Advice
Individuals in Bolivia are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the UPEA campus and all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, allow for extra time to reach their destinations (notably LPB), and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
