Bolivia: Protesters block National Route 4 in Parotani, July 20

Event

Protesters have blocked National Route 4 in Parotani, Cochabamba Department, as of July 20. Demonstrators are protesting the smuggling of agricultural products from Peru into Bolivia; the protesters say that local agricultural production is affected by such smuggling. Demonstrators have indicated that they will continue to block the highway indefinitely. The government has deployed 150 police officers to the site.

The protest is causing significant transport disruptions in the area, severing one of the main highways between Cochabamba and western Bolivia. Disruptions are likely to persist for the duration of the protest. Increased congestion on alternative routes is also likely. Clashes between protesters are police are possible, especially if police attempt to forcibly disperse the demonstrators.

Advice

Avoid all protests in the area. Seek alternative routes to National Route 4 or consider delaying transit through Parotani until the unrest subsides. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; wait for the police to dismantle them.