28 Jun 2018 | 03:55 PM UTC
Bolivia: Students march to La Paz June 28 /update 8
Students from the Public University of El Alto (UPEA) marching from Patacamay to gather in central La Paz June 28; heightened security measures anticipated
Event
A group of students from the Public University of El Alto (Universidad Pública de El Alto; UPEA) who had been marching from Patacamay arrived in El Alto on the evening (local time) of Wednesday, June 27. The protesters plan to continue to march into the center of La Paz on Thursday, June 28. Significant traffic disruptions are possible in the two neighboring cities as demonstrators may erect barricades on the main streets. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Context
The protests by UPEA students, launched on May 23, intensified following the May 24 death of a student protestor killed during clashes with police on the UPEA campus. The student was killed during a demonstration calling for an increased budget for the university. The government has said it will not resume negotiations until protests are suspended.
It should be noted that the city, located just to the west of La Paz, is home to El Alto International (LPB), the country’s main airport.
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.
