Nationwide blockages amid failed coup attempt and economic crisis; ADEPCOCA members face trial

Introduction

Failed military coup to seize the presidential palace

On 26th June 2024, General Juan José Zúñiga, recently dismissed as Chief of the Army by President Luis Arce, led a group of soldiers in an attempt to occupy the presidential palace in La Paz. Zúñiga’s removal followed his public opposition to former President Evo Morales’ potential 2025 candidacy, accusing Morales of political manipulation within the military.

Zúñiga’s forces entered Plaza Murillo, used an armoured vehicle to breach the Government Palace doors and demanded the removal of the Defence Minister. As Zúñiga awaited a response, the government swiftly appointed José Wilson Sánchez Velázquez as the new Commander-in-Chief, ordering the troops to withdraw. Zúñiga’s forces left the area and he was then arrested at the military barracks.

He later claimed President Arce had directed his actions in an alleged attempt to improve the President’s popularity during the country’s economic crisis, though Arce denounced the event as an attempted coup.

The military action sparked widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. Civil society organisations, such as the Documentation and Information Centre Bolivia (CEDIB), suggested that the incident did not constitute a full-scale coup. At least 12 people—mainly public employees—were injured by rubber bullets fired by military officers during the military takeover of Plaza Murillo. Demonstrations took place in support of President Arce and in opposition to the military takeover (see peaceful assembly).

Peaceful Assembly

Truck drivers blocked roads nationwide to protest fuel and dollar shortages

On 3rd and 4th June 2024, the heavy transport truck sector blocked main roads across the country, including Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Oruro and Tarija, in response to fuel shortages and limited access to US dollars. The blockades were led by the Federation of Transport Cooperatives and the Bolivian Chamber of Passenger Transport, who demanded government intervention to secure fuel and improve economic conditions for the sector. They also called for a 48-hour strike.

Protesters restricted access to the Guillermo Elder Bell refinery, preventing fuel distribution and intensifying shortages. Transport leaders requested a direct meeting with President Luis Arce, rejecting further discussions with the Ministry of Public Works. Government responses maintained that fuel supply levels were adequate, attributing shortages to speculation. The National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) cited the blockades as a cause of disruption in fuel distribution to affected regions, stressing the need for a return to dialogue. The private sector also called for constructive negotiations to avoid further economic harm.

On 31st July, transport unions launched an indefinite national strike to protest ongoing fuel shortages. The strike occurred as Bolivia awaits diesel supplies from Russia, intensifying pressure on President Luis Arce’s government to address fuel import challenges.

The economic downturn in Bolivia has been intensified by a complex combination of dollar dependency, dwindling international reserves, rising debt and shortcomings in domestic production, particularly in sectors like gas. As a result, the country has largely shifted towards an import-driven economy, leaving it “totally dependent on dollars,” according to Gonzalo Chávez, an economist at Bolivia’s Catholic University.

Massive rally in La Paz backs President Arce amid coup allegations

On 12th July 2024, thousands of supporters gathered outside the presidential palace in La Paz to demonstrate solidarity with President Luis Arce following a recent coup attempt (see introduction). Organised by the Bolivian Workers’ Central Union (COB) and pro-government agrarian unions, the “March for Democracy” saw supporters from across the country converge in the capital, chanting slogans such as “Lucho, you are not alone,” in reference to the President.

President Arce addressed the crowd, affirming his commitment to democratic principles and criticising opposition groups, which he accused of attempting to delegitimise the coup as a fabrication. The march paralysed the centre of La Paz, filling Plaza Murillo, where large screens broadcast Arce’s speech from the government and legislative buildings. “This plaza was occupied by rogue military forces” Arce stated, referencing the coup attempt, while attendees expressed their support with music, chanting, and dancing.

Police disperse road blockade

During the reported period, police disrupted road blockages across the country:

• On 15th July, healthcare workers initiated a blockade at the border crossing in Yacuiba, Tarija, to demand that the government allocate additional medical personnel to the region. The protesters highlighted a critical need for increased staffing, calling on Health Minister María René Castro to respond to their request. The blockade reportedly disrupted the passage of over 300 fuel tankers, leading to significant delays. In response to the blockade, on 28th July 2024, the police used tear gas to disperse the blockade, including a group of women among the protesters. No injuries or detentions were registered.
• On 8th July, a confrontation occurred between police forces and residents in Caracollo, a town located along the La Paz-Oruro highway. Residents from Cañohuma, who had maintained a week-long blockade demanding the release of 170 million Bolivian bolivianos for the paving of a road connecting Caracollo with Cañohuma, resumed their efforts to block the route after an initial police intervention. Police forces deployed chemical agents to disperse the protesters, who had retreated to nearby hills to regroup and attempt to retake the blockade point. As a result, four police officers and two community members sustained injuries.

Community mobilisation in Tiquipaya successfully challenges municipal water company proposal

On 8th July 2024, approximately 70 associations and committees responsible for Tiquipaya’s water management protested the proposed establishment of a municipal water company. According to community organisations, introducing a municipal water company would establish monopolistic control over water resources, resulting in elevated tariffs that would disproportionately impact Tiquipaya’s residents.

The Municipal Government has enacted three laws concerning water service management—two applicable to the entire municipality and a third specifically targeting one district. Civil society viewed this third law as a measure to divide the community, leading to additional protests that resulted in its repeal.

Omar Fernández, Vice President of the Committee for the Defence of Agricultural Lands, Water and Mother Earth (CODETAMT), referenced Law 3470, which mandates direct water provision to social organisations, arguing that a municipal company could enable monopolistic practices and amount to a form of water privatisation. He highlighted that in Tiquipaya’s southern zones, water distribution remains under the control of community organisations.

Following these demonstrations, five out of nine councillors signed a repeal of the district-specific legislation. This action reflects ongoing efforts by Tiquipaya’s social organisations to maintain community-based management of water resources, prioritising affordability and accessibility for local populations.

Community mobilisation against hydrocarbon exploration

On 15th May, residents of Chiquiacá Canton, located within the Tariquía National Flora and Fauna Reserve, mobilised to oppose hydrocarbon exploration activities by the oil company Petrobras. The company’s operations, situated along the northeastern boundary of the reserve, would affect essential watershed headlands and groundwater recharge zones, raising concerns about environmental and community impacts.

To obstruct the planned exploration, residents set up a permanent encampment in Saicán village, aiming to prevent personnel from Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) and Petrobras from conducting studies for the proposed Domo Oso-X3 well. This project forms part of a larger hydrocarbon exploration initiative that could significantly impact the reserve’s ecosystem.

On 19th May, the communities issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Petrobras and other oil companies to exit the area. Despite this, YPFB and Petrobras reiterated their commitment to the Domo Oso-X3 exploration project, citing potential economic benefits for the Tarija region and development promises for local populations.

Following the temporary retreat of company technicians, residents reported increased incidents of coercion aimed at disrupting their protest. They alleged that YPFB personnel and government-aligned leaders had applied pressure through various means, including offers of public works and essential services in exchange for community acceptance of the exploration activities.

Tariquía highlights a contradiction in Bolivia’s nationalisation model under Morales and Arce, where reliance on fossil fuel extraction has constrained the government’s agenda.

The prioritisation of resource extraction for poverty reduction has often outweighed Indigenous autonomy and land rights.

UNITAS highlights excessive force and police involvement in violations of protest rights

The 2023 Situation Report by the Observatory for Human Rights Defenders of the National Union of Institutions for Social Action (UNITAS) exposed that the police were responsible for 91 per cent of the recorded violations against freedom of peaceful assembly. The report registered 68 violations in 2023, detailing various forms of protest disruption, including physical injuries, suppression of demonstrations and failure to fulfil protective duties.

The report highlighted that 75 per cent of these cases involved excessive use of force by police, which led to dozens of injuries and one fatality during the January 2023 protests over the detention of Santa Cruz Governor Luis Fernando Camacho. The report also cited incidents where the police reportedly failed to protect protesters, with injuries resulting from clashes that could have been prevented.

UNITAS underscored the “frequency, systematic nature, and intensity” of violent confrontations between civilians, often instigated by organised groups seeking to delegitimise and demobilise protesters. These incidents demonstrate a climate that hinders the exercise of peaceful protest, with such groups frequently operating with apparent impunity.

Association

ADEPCOCA members charged for alleged coca market burning

On 13th May 2024, the Prosecutor’s Office formally charged 12 members of the Asociación Departamental de Productores de Coca (ADEPCOCA) in connection with the takeover and burning of a parallel coca market in Villa El Carmen, La Paz, in 2022. The market, led by Arnold Alanes, a supporter of Evo Morales, operated without official recognition, triggering internal conflict within the coca-growing sector.

ADEPCOCA’s legal representative, Evelyn Cossío, stated that the charges include 13 alleged crimes, such as arson, destruction, and kidnapping. The penalties sought range from 8 to 12 years of imprisonment. Cossío also pointed out significant inconsistencies in the case, noting that investigations produced no concrete evidence against any accused, while witness statements were contradictory. Despite these concerns, the case will proceed to trial.

Two days later, ADEPCOCA reported that approximately 100 police officers are expected to testify against the 12 accused coca growers in this case. The concern expressed by Cossío highlights a perceived conflict of interest arising from the fact that the plaintiff in the case is the Ministry of Interior, which directly commands the police officers being offered as witnesses. This raises questions about the impartiality and independence of these witnesses.

The people named in the formal charge include Julio César Apaza, Juan Elías Cocarico, Rosalba Vargas, Gudelia Botitano, Reynaldo Laura, Erlin Pari, Santos Carlos Choque, Isaías Miranda, Noe Canaza, Yeri Chincha and Rutmar Paxi. César Apaza and former ADEPCOCA president Freddy Machicado pleaded guilty in a separate expedited trial and were released following their plea.

On 3rd July 2024, Juan Cocarico was also released after spending 20 months in preventive detention. He will now serve his detention under house arrest in his Trinidad Pampa community in the Yungas region. Cocarico’s detention exceeded the six-month limit established under Law 1173 on Procedural Criminal Abbreviation.

Human rights defender in Ixiamas threatened

Paola Guerra, a human rights defender in the municipality of Ixiamas, La Paz, reported receiving a threatening phone call from an unidentified person. This incident occurred approximately 30 minutes after publishing information on social media and through various media outlets concerning the environmental degradation of the Tequeje River due to gold mining activities. Guerra’s publication drew attention to the consequences of mining on the local ecosystem and the potential long-term impact on community resources.

Expression

RTP journalists face threats as land disputes in El Alto continue

On 24th July 2024, journalist Jenny Ticona and her cameraman, Gregorio Mamani, from the private television channel Radio Television Popular (RTP), were threatened with physical violence by the “Villca Clan”, a group known for illegally seizing land in various parts of El Alto. While reporting on the situation, Ticona stated, “I am simply doing my job, and I demand respect for our profession, along with guarantees of safety for myself and my colleagues, from the relevant authorities.”

According to media reports, this incident is part of ongoing harassment and intimidation against RTP staff, linked to the violent occupation of the channel’s transmission site in September 2023. Eduardo Godoy, RTP’s news director, called on the Public Prosecutor’s Office to take action in response to the ongoing threats. Godoy also raised concerns over the potential danger to the hundreds of employees working at RTP’s facilities in the area.

Since 2020, there has been a sharp increase in physical assaults on journalists, particularly in rural areas. Several radio and television stations have suffered vandalism, causing significant disruptions to their operations.

Women Press Freedom expressed concerned for the safety of Jenny Ticona and all RTP staff in El Alto: “We strongly condemn the violence and aggression they have endured. We demand swift action from authorities to defend press freedom and journalistic integrity, ensuring measures are taken to safeguard the journalists and hold the perpetrators accountable.”

Military police obstruct and endanger journalists at Plaza Murillo

On 26th June 2024, the deployment of tear gas and physical obstruction by military police in Plaza Murillo hindered the work of journalists covering the event (see introduction), according to testimonies gathered by the Monitoring Unit of the Bolivian National Press Association (ANP). Reporters, camera operators and photographers faced significant challenges while attempting to document the military occupation, reportedly enduring tear gas exposure and physical force used by soldiers to control access.

Juan Alejandro Mamani and Sebastián Alarcón, journalists with the SITEL television channel, reported soldiers obstructing their attempts to film by using riot shields and, at times, pushing journalists. Bryan Benavides, a reporter for the digital outlet Tele Estrella, recounted witnessing tear gas fired towards journalists during crowd dispersal efforts. Some protesters shouted “sold-out press” and mistakenly associated Foro Channel’s blue logo with the ruling party, resulting in increased hostility towards the team, according to Foro Channel journalist Magaly Chuquimia.

Likewise, Women Press Freedom documented multiple incidents where some women journalists experienced severe respiratory effects, with several forced to vomit from tear gas exposure. Fabiola Chambi from Voice of America described seeking temporary relief by standing near fires lit by demonstrators. The situation intensified as President Arce appeared on the balcony of the presidential palace, drawing larger crowds and further complicating reporting conditions.

Andrea Rojas, a journalist with Brújula Digital, reported delayed access to Plaza Murillo, while Magaly Chuquimia of Foro Channel noted that her team encountered hostility from protesters who mistook them for government supporters due to their blue logo. Reuters photojournalist Claudia Morales also stated that she was denied entry despite showing her credentials.

Women Press Freedom condemned these actions by military police, asserting that they posed serious risks to journalist's safety and represented violations of press freedom. The organisation stressed that the incidents endangered lives and violated journalists’ rights to report on critical public events. Women Press Freedom called for accountability and urged Bolivian authorities to protect journalists’ safety and uphold press freedom standards, in line with international commitments.

Police assault on journalists in Santa Cruz

On 7th May 2024, journalist Alfredo Ariel Vargas of La Cafetería media was assaulted by a police officer at the transit building. Vargas was attempting to record the arrest of a suspect under investigation for sexual assault when a police officer intervened. The officer grabbed and pushed Vargas, causing him to twist his ankle during the scuffle. Vargas was subsequently placed on medical leave for three weeks. Although the assault was reported to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for violations of the right to work, freedom of the press, and the right to information, Vargas expressed concern that the Prosecutor’s Office accepted only the charge of physical injury and dismissed the claims relating to press freedom and access to information.

In a separate incident, on 9th May 2024, journalist Noelia Griselda Flores and her cameraman, Junior Kevin Roda, from ATB Network, were assaulted by police officers at the Governor’s Office in Santa Cruz. They arrived to report on a prosecutor’s inspection, but despite presenting valid press credentials, the police denied them entry while other media outlets were allowed access. Flores reported that officers demanded a letter from “higher authorities” as a prerequisite for entry. After placing her equipment at the entrance, she attempted to enter the building. However, two women officers forcibly removed her, physically assaulting her with punches to the stomach and inappropriate physical contact. Roda’s camera was forcibly lowered to prevent the recording of the incident. Flores was further threatened with detention for “disrespecting authority” when attempting to leave the premises.

Cyber attacks against journalist

On 22nd June 2024, unknown people hacked journalist Amalia Pando’s official website, amaliapando.com, replacing its content with images of armed soldiers. Two days later, the newspaper El Deber reported the unauthorised use of its logo in fraudulent advertisements, falsely claiming the Central Bank of Bolivia was suing Pando for endorsing a cryptocurrency platform, “Nearest Edge.” This misinformation also implicated other journalists, such as Carlos Valverde and Raúl Peñaranda, in association with the platform.

On 26th June 2024, a fabricated press release allegedly issued by Los Tiempos, a Cochabamba newspaper, falsely alleged that the Central Bank had filed legal action against Pando. The press release included a fictitious interview between Pando and Valverde, intended to mislead the public into believing in the financial benefits of cryptocurrency investments. The editor-in-chief of Los Tiempos, Fernando Avendaño, confirmed that the data was entirely fabricated.

This cyber attack has prompted Pando to request international protection. Her digital team is working to restore the website and strengthen its security. The National Press Association (ANP) conducted a legal analysis, concluding that these cyber actions meet the criteria of computer crimes under articles 363 bis and 363 ter of the Bolivian Penal Code, which address the manipulation of data for undue gain, punishable by one to five years' imprisonment.

Women Press Freedom has documented a disturbing increase in cases where journalists’ images and fabricated digital content are misused to support fraudulent schemes.

Senator’s allegations against journalist raise concerns

On 23rd July 2024, Senator Patricia Arce, a member of Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS), publicly accused journalist John Arandia of accepting government payments to spread false information. She further labelled him a “liar” following his publication of a video showing the Senator tracing letters, allegedly to assist a candidate during an election. In response, Arandia called on Senator Arce to provide evidence for her claims. Despite this request, no evidence has been presented.

Between January and July 2024, UNITAS Observatory of Human Rights Defenders recorded three incidents concerning press freedom in Bolivia’s National Assembly, including public vilification and threats against journalists. These incidents form part of a broader pattern of fundamental rights violations within the Assembly, where 44 cases were documented, with 41 relating to failures in transparency and legal compliance.

Defamation lawsuit against journalist Cristian Fournier

On 26th June 2024, the Association of Journalists of La Paz (APLP) expressed concern over the defamation lawsuit filed by the company Terrasur against journalist Cristian Fournier. The lawsuit stems from three TikTok videos Fournier produced in March 2024 about the floods in La Paz. In these videos, residents from the affected areas shared their opinions, some of which referenced Terrasur.

The APLP claimed that Fournier adhered to his journalistic responsibilities by providing a platform for people to express their views on the matter. The association argued that Terrasur’s demand for a retraction amounts to censorship and poses a threat to press freedom.

Press freedom in Bolivia worsens

The latest World Press Freedom Index 2024 by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) revealed a significant decline in press freedom in Bolivia, dropping from 117th place in 2023 to 124th place globally. The report classifies Bolivia as a country facing a “difficult situation” for journalistic work, highlighting an increase in attacks, threats, censorship and harassment towards media professionals, particularly from state and pro-government entities.

According to RSF, state control over numerous media outlets in Bolivia has expanded, accompanied by increased surveillance of critical media, particularly on social networks. The report highlighted that government influence over media ownership has led to widespread self-censorship. Since 2020, physical assaults on journalists have intensified, particularly in rural areas, where radio and television stations have faced closures and newsrooms have been vandalised. The report documented cases of journalists experiencing kidnapping and torture, incidents that remain unaddressed by authorities.