Bolivia: Supporters of arrested former interim president to protest in Santa Cruz March 15

Event

The Pro-Santa Cruz Committee (Comite pro Santa Cruz), a civil society organization, has called for a protest at the Christ the Redeemer Monument in Santa Cruz from 1800 March 15. The action is to denounce the alleged persecution of members of the government of the former interim president, Jeanine Anez, who was arrested during the early hours of March 13. Demonstrators could march through nearby streets from the rally point, though this has not been confirmed. The event is likely to draw large crowds.

Police will likely deploy to monitor the protests. Counter-demonstrations by pro-government activists and other supporters of the Movement Toward Socialism (Movimiento al Socialismo, MAS) may occur. Isolated clashes between rival groups of activists or police and protesters cannot be ruled out. The protest is likely to cause localized traffic disruptions.

Context

The Attorney General's Office issued an arrest warrant March 12 against Anez and several of her former ministers who have been accused of terrorism, sedition, and conspiracy; Anez is sentenced to four months pre-trial detention in La Paz. The arrests are linked to the 2019 election crisis which ultimately saw then-President Evo Morales resign in November 2019 following days of violent unrest and calls from the military to resign. Supporters of the Morales' MAS describe the events that led to Morales's resignation as a coup. However, Anez and other members of the opposition have denounced her arrest as an act of political persecution. The Civic Community opposition coalition and former presidents Jorge Quiroga and Carlos Mesa have also denounced the issuing of the arrest warrants.

Advice

Avoid all protests and heed the directives of the authorities. Exit the area at the first sign of any confrontation. Plan accordingly for potential disruptions to ground travel in Santa Cruz the evening of March 15.