Bolivia government acknowledges one death in weekend clashes

Bolivia's government confirmed a fatality occurred during a military and police operation to clear a highway in the country's west. The operation aimed to restore the passage of food, fuel, and medicine to La Paz and El Alto, which have been severely affected by ongoing blockades.

Presidential spokesperson José Luis Gálvez expressed regret for an initial statement on Saturday night that denied any deaths, citing "false news." He explained that "in the course of the hours, already in the early morning (Sunday), we became aware of the death of a citizen." Gálvez added, "we have expressed through various media our regret because no Bolivian should lose their life under any similar circumstance."

The operation on Saturday sought to unblock the main highway between La Paz and Oruro, a 227-kilometer stretch crucial for supplying the capital and El Alto. However, the operation was halted due to clashes in several sections of the road, which also led to the burning of state offices and damage to vehicles in the convoy.

Local media reported a forensic report certifying the death of civilian Víctor Cruz Quispe from a "firearm projectile." The incident occurred near Vilaque, where police and military forces confronted protesters. The Catholic Church, the Ombudsman's Office, and the Permanent Assembly of Human Rights of El Alto have called for an "urgent, independent, and transparent clarification of the events."

Gálvez asserted that neither military nor police personnel involved in the operation carried firearms, only tear gas for "deterrent" use. He assured that the executive branch would pursue a "correct investigation" and that "whoever has killed must pay," emphasizing that "the law is not to be broken and no one is above the law."

The protests and blockades, initiated 20 days prior, are led by peasant sectors, the Bolivian Workers' Center (COB), and supporters of former President Evo Morales. They are demanding the resignation of President Paz, who assumed office six months ago.