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29may08
IACHR Deplores Violence in Bolivia and Urges Punishment of Those Responsible
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) deplores the acts of violence that took place on Saturday, May 24, in Sucre, Bolivia, and urges the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and punish those responsible.
According to information received by the IACHR, a group of people opposed to the presence of President Evo Morales in Sucre attacked campesinos and indigenous people who intended to participate in an event led by the head of State. According to the information and video recordings to which the Commission had access, the campesinos and indigenous people were insulted with racist epithets, kicked and clubbed with sticks, forced to kneel in the Plaza 25 de Mayo, humiliated in various ways, and robbed of their documents, money, and clothes. More than 20 people were injured. A journalist was also attacked.
Moreover, the information available indicates that the attackers also violently assaulted members of the police and military forces that had been deployed to guarantee public security during the event. According to the information received, the police and members of the military left the site as a result of the attack, and President Morales had to suspend his trip to Sucre.
The Inter-American Commission laments and emphatically condemns these acts of aggression and repudiates their racist and discriminatory nature. In this regard, the Commission calls for a dialogue based on tolerance and respect for human rights.
[Source: Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Press Release No. 22/08, Washington, D.C., 29May08]
 | This document has been published on 02Jun08 by the Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. |