03 Sep 2018 | 08:49 AM UTC
Bolivia: Coca farmers to march in La Paz September 3
Farmers plan to march into La Paz and hold a rally September 3; heightened security measures and traffic disruptions expected
Event
Farmers associated with the Asociación Departamental de Productores de Coca (ADEPCOCA) coca producing group are planning to hold a demonstration in La Paz on Monday, September 3. The march is expected to begin at 08:00 (local time) and end at the ADEPCOCA office in the city where a rally will be held. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected around all protest sites.
Context
ADEPCOCA members are protesting government accusations that the group’s leader, Franklin Gutiérrez, has advocated for violence against police forces in La Asunción region. Violent clashes between coca growers and police officers broke out in La Asunta on August 24, resulting in the death of one police officer. On August 29, two farmers were killed by security forces in the same area. The police claimed the shooting was in self-defense, but locals accused the officers of murdering the farmers
Advice
Individuals in La Paz are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
