29 Nov 2017 | 06:19 PM UTC
Bolivia: Protests in downtown La Paz November 29
Demonstrators gather outside Ministry of Economy in La Paz on November 29 to call for increased budget for university; eight people injured in clashes
Event
Students, professors, and administrators of the Public University of El Alto (UPEA) continued protests in downtown La Paz on Wednesday, November 29. Reports say demonstrators gathered outside the Ministry of Economy. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, after which demonstrators attacked security personnel with stones. At least four protesters and four police officers were injured in the clashes.
Additional, related protests are possible in Bolivia in the coming days, and clashes with security personnel cannot be ruled out.
Context
Wednesday's demonstrations were a continuation of protests that began the day before (November 28), with demonstrators clashing with police after blocking Avenida Naciones Unidas and the highway that links La Paz with El Alto. The protesters, with the support of local unions, are demanding that the government increase the university's annual budget. The government has thus far rejected any proposed budget increases.
Advice
Individuals in Bolivia are advised to keep abreast of the situation and avoid all demonstrations. In additional, localized transportation disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of any protests.
