Argentina: Protests denouncing recent approval of new provincial constitution likely to continue in Jujuy Province through at least late June /update 1

Event

Protests denouncing the recent approval of a new provincial constitution are likely to continue in Jujuy Province through at least late June. Violence occurred amid related protest activity in San Salvador de Jujuy, the provincial capital, on June 20, with demonstrators reportedly clashing with police and throwing stones. Some protesters also ignited a fire within the Legislature; authorities quickly brought the blaze under control. For their part, security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the demonstrators. The clashes left dozens of people wounded.

Activists had set up numerous roadblocks throughout the province as of June 20, including:

• At the intersection of provincial routes 61 and 53, outside of Aguas Calientes.

• Along National Route 34 at Caima and along the San Lorenzo-Libertador General San Martin bridge.

• Along Provincial Route 11 and National Route 52, near Barrancas.

• Along National Route 52 near Susques.

• Along National Route 9, near the towns of Abra Pampa and La Quiaca as well as in the San Roque area.

• Along national routes 9 and 52, near Purmamarca.

Related demonstrations will probably materialize in other provincial cities over the coming days, including Perico and San Pedro de Jujuy. Increased security and transport disruptions are likely in areas subject to protest activity. Further clashes will probably break out between demonstrators and police, especially if protesters block roads and ignore police orders to disperse.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent protest-affected areas and any related disruptions. If violence breaks out in your vicinity, immediately depart the area and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.