Bolivia protests: Road blockades cause at least nine deaths, including cancer patient and truck driver

Bolivia is grappling with escalating protests and road blockades that have claimed at least nine lives over the past five weeks. The demonstrations, led by campesinos, workers, and supporters of former President Evo Morales, are demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz. The government has accused external actors of interfering in the mobilizations, suggesting a process of destabilization. Recent fatalities highlight the severe humanitarian impact of the blockades. A 24-year-old cancer patient from Oruro died en route to La Paz for radiotherapy, with her ambulance forced to take detours due to impassable roads. Separately, a heavy goods vehicle driver from Cochabamba died after his health deteriorated during a 32-day blockade that prevented his return from importing merchandise. His wife recounted his desperate pleas to pass through checkpoints near La Paz. These deaths add to seven previously reported by Bolivia's Ombudsman's Office and noted by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which expressed concern over the conflict's escalation and urged dialogue. The Ombudsman's figures indicate four deaths due to lack of timely medical attention caused by blockades, one from a firearm during a de-blocking operation, and two others among the mobilized population. The IACHR affirmed the legitimacy of social protest but acknowledged the severe impact of prolonged blockades on other rights. Bolivian Foreign Minister indicated that foreigners identified in the protests are being processed for immediate departure, viewing their presence as evidence of foreign interference aimed at destabilizing democracy.