TITLE: Bolivian Security Forces Use Tear Gas To Impede The March's Arrival In La Paz

AUTHOR:

PUB: Andean Information Network

DATE: April 23, 2001

MARCH FOR LIFE AND SOVEREIGNTY At approximately 12:00 p.m. today Bolivian Police used tear gas to disperse marchers arriving from El Alto in the Faro Murillo Plaza. There are unconfirmed reports that police used rubber pellets and that there are several people wounded. Marchers continue to attempt to reach the San Francisco Plaza.  GROUP FROM LA PAZ YUNGAS  At the same time security forces used tear gas to disperse marchers from the Yungas in Villa Fatima, a La Paz neighborhood. Union leaders report that police detained 5 coca growers. The majority of the marchers from this group have sought cover in the San Andres University. Police have surrounded the University.  Yungas union leaders (COFECAY) state that road blockades in their region could begin at any time. POSSIBLE STATE OF EMERGENCY Police sources suggest that a state of emergency (estado de sitio) could be called at any time. We are working to confirm this information. We will send out a complete report later this evening. For more information please contact: paz@albatros.cnb.net or kledebur@albatros.cnb.net END top