Bolivia: Protesters to demonstrate in La Paz Sept. 19

Event

Activists affiliated with the Departmental Association of Coca Producers (Asociacion Departamental de Productores de Coca, ADEPCOCA) plan to demonstrate in La Paz Sept. 19. The purpose of the action is to denounce the recent arrest of ADEPCOCA leader Freddy Machicado and demand that the government resolve a dispute related to the operation of a coca leaf market in the Villa El Carmen area that has prompted numerous protests and clashes in the city in recent weeks. Participants will gather at 08:30 on Calle 10 of the Villa El Carmen zone before marching toward Plaza Murillo.

The rival faction, led by Arnold Alanes, will gather on the same day on Calle 1 of Villa El Carmen to demand that they be able to continue operations in the Villa El Carmen market after Machicado took it by force. Alanes did not immediately provide further details about the gathering.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy increased security near assembly points and along march routes in order to monitor the demonstrations and facilitate the flow of traffic. Localized transport disruptions are likely. Clashes between protesters, counterprotesters, and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the demonstrations as a precaution. Heed the instructions of security personnel. If violence occurs nearby, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a nongovernmental building that is not affiliated with either of the rival protesting groups. Reconfirm business appointments.