Park rangers acquitted amid courtroom threats; protesters clash with police

Introduction

Over 300 violations of fundamental civic freedoms

Between January and April 2024, the UNITAS Observatory of Human Rights Defenders documented 307 rights violations in Bolivia. These cases involved the restrictions of freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly. The highest number of violations was recorded in the departments of La Paz and Santa Cruz, which together accounted for over half of the total cases. The report highlighted the role of national government authorities and officials in many of these incidents.

The most common violation involved undermining the presumption of innocence, with 58 cases recorded. Additionally, 24 cases of economic damage and corruption within subnational entities were reported. There were 16 incidents of political harassment and gender-based violence targeting municipal officials, alongside 16 cases linked to the contested extension of judicial authorities’ terms. The report also noted 12 attacks on journalists and media outlets, raising concerns over press freedom and access to information.

UNITAS expressed alarm at the growing trend of rights abuses and the weakening of democratic institutions. The organisation called for stronger protections for human rights and urged both national and international bodies to take action.

IACHR releases report on the situation of human rights in Bolivia

In March 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) released a report addressing Bolivia’s historical and ongoing challenges related to democracy and human rights. The country has seen a rise in social and political polarisation, exacerbating human rights challenges and putting pressure on democratic institutions.

In this climate, civic freedoms have been eroded. One critical issue highlighted by civil society organisations is the state’s failure to implement a comprehensive protection policy for human rights defenders. Without such a framework, defenders—especially those advocating for Indigenous rights—face heightened risks. Reports of violent persecution and aggression towards Indigenous organisations defending these rights have intensified the situation. Although civil society has proposed a comprehensive protection policy, its implementation remains pending.

The media landscape is similarly fraught with challenges, particularly regarding violence and stigmatisation of journalists. While the state has made efforts to protect media workers—by investigating acts of violence and offering legal, psychological and social support—attacks on journalists persist. These include physical and verbal assaults, destruction of media property and harassment, often during times of social unrest or political conflict.

Association

Park rangers acquitted, face threats after court hearing

On 29th February 2024, a judge in Apolo, acquitted environmental defenders and park rangers Marcos Uzquiano and Raul Santa Cruz on defamation and slander charges. Ramiro Cuevas, a representative of a mining cooperative, had initiated these charges in April 2023, following a confrontation between park rangers and Cuevas in Madidi National Park.

In March 2023, Santa Cruz, acting in his capacity as a park ranger, encountered Ramiro Cuevas attempting to enter Madidi National Park, a protected area, with heavy mining equipment and workers from his company. Santa Cruz requested the necessary legal documentation permitting access to the park, which Cuevas could not provide. When asked to produce the documentation, Santa Cruz was physically assaulted by Cuevas. Following the assault, Santa Cruz informed fellow park ranger Marcos Uzquiano of the event. Uzquiano subsequently reported the incident via Facebook, bringing attention to the illegal activities taking place in the park.

The court found that the allegations made by Cuevas lacked sufficient evidence to substantiate claims of defamation or slander. The decision was welcomed by civil society organisations, which viewed the ruling as a precedent for the protection of environmental defenders and a step towards reinforcing legal safeguards for protected areas like Madidi National Park.

On the same day, the Ombudsman’s Office welcomed the decision and called on state authorities to improve working conditions and protection for environmental and human rights defenders, saying “Their vital role in safeguarding protected areas must be supported by both the government and the public, as outlined in Article 68 of Supreme Decree No. 24781.”

According to statements made by Santa Cruz to the press, during the hearing a family member of the mining cooperative worker threatened him, allegedly warning, “Raúl, be careful; you don’t know what’s going to happen to you.” Just one week after the acquittal, on 6th March, rangers from the nearby Cotapata National Park, located near La Paz, also reported receiving threats while conducting preventive actions against illegal mining operations in the area.

The case arose amid ongoing tensions between environmental defenders and illegal miners operating within protected areas. Illegal mining poses a significant risk to protected ecosystems. Both Uzquiano, who serves as the president of the Bolivian Association of Park Rangers and Conservation Agents, and experts from the Documentation and Information Centre Bolivia (CEDIB) emphasised the growing severity of the threat. Not only does illegal mining cause extensive environmental damage, but its operators are known to intimidate and threaten national park personnel.

Indigenous authorities in Zongo face prosecution after denouncing illegal mining activities

On 9th April 2024, authorities from the Zongo Valley were notified of charges related to land encroachment and illegal possession of weapons, stemming from an incident in September 2023. During this incident, indigenous authorities and their community led a cleanup operation to reclaim their ancestral lands in Zongo. The situation escalated when people connected to the mining operations confronted them, resulting in an attack on the indigenous leaders. Authorities detained nine community members following the confrontation.

Edgar Pérez, Eusebia Zambrana and Marcela Quisbert, natural judges from the Indigenous justice system, are at the centre of this case. The court has issued an arrest warrant for Pérez. These leaders now face legal proceedings in the ordinary justice system after publicly denouncing illegal mining activities within their territory.

In response, the indigenous authorities have demanded that the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the presiding judge respect the indigenous justice system’s jurisdiction. They insist that the proceedings belong under the indigenous legal framework, not the ordinary justice system. However, the Public Prosecutor’s Office rejected their request. During a press conference in La Paz, representatives of these authorities expressed concerns about judicial persecution and the criminalisation of their efforts to defend their land.

IACHR hearing highlights attacks on human rights defenders and legal obstacles

On 29th February 2024, during its 189th period of sessions, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) held a regional public hearing addressing the situation of human rights defenders. The Bolivian civil society organisation UNITAS participated, reporting key challenges in this area.

According to the UNITAS Observatory of Human Rights Defenders, 128 attacks on defenders and CSOs occurred between 2021 and 2023. Mila Reynolds, UNITAS’ director, presented the case of César Apaza. Reynolds also stressed that current legislation, which falls short of international standards, negatively impacts civil society. The law sets disproportionate grounds for revoking legal status and imposes bureaucratic hurdles that threaten the operational capacity of organisations. Moreover, Reynolds pointed to the justice system’s failure to guarantee protection for human rights defenders and CSOs, exacerbating their difficulties.

In response, the IACHR commissioners voiced serious concerns about Bolivia’s lack of institutional capacity to manage cases that put the work of human rights defenders at risk.

Expression

Journalist assaulted while reporting on student’s death

On 25th April 2024, journalist Jesús Mamani and a camera operator were assaulted while covering the aftermath of a fatal incident at the UFest festival in Tarija. Mamani was documenting the transfer of a student to a local hospital after the student reportedly drowned in the event’s pool and later died.

Mamani explained that while attempting to report on the incident at the hospital, people associated with the event organisers obstructed him and his team. He described being confronted by people seemingly determined to prevent the media from documenting the event. One person allegedly tried to stop them from filming, while another attacked the camera opertor. Mamani believed the attackers aimed to prevent the recording of the incident and to confiscate the media equipment to suppress the footage.

City Councillor alleges presidential aide ran over journalist

On 4th March, City Councillor Wilma Alanoca reported that a journalist was struck by a vehicle driven by an aide to President Luis Arce. The incident took place during the official events on the Avenida 6 de Marzo in El Alto. According to Alanoca’s statement, the event occurred as the parade was coming to a close.

She recounted that a grey vehicle approached and struck a journalist who was covering the event. Alanoca identified the driver as the President’s aide and claimed that the Chief of Staff, who was also in the vehicle, reacted aggressively when she attempted to assist the journalist. Alanoca further alleged that the aide and the Chief of Staff “practically kidnapped” the journalist by taking them away in the vehicle.

Journalists attacked by protesters

On 23rd February, during protests in Oruro demanding an increase in urban transport fares, several journalists were subjected to threats and physical aggression. Verónica Velarde, a reporter for La Patria, was specifically targeted by a group of transport workers armed with sticks and stones. These protesters obstructed her from performing her journalistic duties, issuing threats to prevent coverage of the protests.

Oruro journalist threatened with legal action for reporting on alleged corruption

On 7th March 2024, Oruro Governor Johnny Vedia threatened legal action against journalist Carmen Torrez following her reports on alleged corruption within the Oruro Departmental Autonomous Government. In a letter to the administrative director of the television network UNITEL in Oruro, Governor Vedia accused Torrez of harming the institution’s reputation through unsubstantiated corruption allegations. He requested that UNITEL restrict Torrez’s reporting, claiming her accusations were unsupported by evidence.

In response, Carmen Torrez defended her journalistic integrity, referencing two specific cases of alleged corruption linked to the governor’s office. Torrez stated that she had sought comments from the governor's office but received no reply. The Oruro Journalists’ Association condemned Governor Vedia’s actions, asserting that efforts to intimidate and censor journalists jeopardise press freedom. They urged the governor to resolve any grievances through lawful means rather than by attempting to suppress critical reporting. The Ombudsman’s Office launched an investigation, calling on authorities to uphold human rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression and the protection of journalists.

Regulatory pressure forces closure of Radio FMBolivia

On 9th February 2024, Galo Hubner, director of Radio FMBolivia, announced via a Facebook post that the station would cease broadcasting to avoid accumulating fines. Hubner reported a pattern of abuse by the Telecommunications and Transportation Regulation and Control Authority (ATT), which imposed a fine on the station for allegedly broadcasting its signal eight kilometres beyond its authorised coverage area.

On 6th March 2024, the ATT formally revoked the station’s broadcasting licence, citing the station’s failure to meet all technical requirements. In response, on 8th March, Galo Hubner announced that the station would seek redress through international organisations advocating for freedom of expression, aiming to restore its broadcasting licence. The situation surrounding Radio FMBolivia raises concerns about potential restrictions on press freedom in Bolivia, particularly regarding the use of regulatory frameworks to silence critical media outlets.

Radio FMBolivia had established itself as a key media outlet in the Yungas region, La Paz Department, gaining prominence for its coverage of conflicts between coca growers and the government during both the Luis Arce and Evo Morales administrations. The station was also noted for its critical reporting on police abuses during demonstrations by the Asociación Departamental de Productores de Coca (ADEPCOCA).

The National Association of Journalists of Bolivia (ANPB) and the Association of Journalists of La Paz (APLP) expressed solidarity with Radio FMBolivia, condemning what they described as systematic harassment by the ATT that led to the station’s closure.

Peaceful Assembly

Teachers injured in La Paz protest over education reforms

On 22nd April 2024, hundreds of teachers from various regions across Bolivia gathered in La Paz to protest the reorganisation of teaching positions and the “forced retirement” bill. The protesters also demanded an increased education budget and full compensation for all hours of instruction delivered. Police responded with force, using chemical agents to disperse the crowd. Reports from the scene confirm that rubber bullets were fired, injuring at least 10 teachers. One teacher, who suffered a severe eye injury, is scheduled for emergency surgery.

Esteban Bejarano, leader of the Bolivian Teachers’ Confederation, stated that the injured teachers were taken to a clinic for medical treatment. He condemned the police action as “cowardly” and highlighted the serious condition of the teacher from Puerto Suárez who sustained the eye injury.

Mine workers attack Indigenous women protesting

On 5th April 2024, mine workers attacked a group of women who were peacefully blocking mining operations to protect their territory in Totoral Chico, Oruro. Workers from the Sindicato Avicaya reportedly assaulted the women, yelling at them to leave. One woman fainted and required hospitalisation. Fearing for their safety, 11 women and two children fled to La Paz and Oruro, leaving their families behind. At least one woman fled with her daughters, who can no longer attend school due to fears of further attacks by the miners.

The situation escalated as miners allegedly followed the women, throwing dynamite into their homes. They also reportedly surrounded the homes to prevent the women from leaving and blocked their children from attending school.

Community members claimed that Sindicato Avicaya’s operations are illegal, as the miners have failed to provide the required permits in a transparent and public manner, despite repeated requests from the community. According to the residents of Totoral Chico, the mine workers operate under the protection of Santacruz Silver, a Canadian company that has owned and operated the Mina Bolívar through its subsidiary, Minera Illapa, since 2021. Santacruz acquired the mine from Glencore that year.

This incident marks yet another case of violence and harassment against the community by mine workers. Ayllu Acre Antequera, located in Oruro, is a mining-dominated region, with mining accounting for 27 per cent of its gross domestic product, alongside significant agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Quillacollo residents protest Coca-Cola Bottler over water extraction

On 28th March 2024, residents of Quillacollo, Cochabamba, protested on Avenida Blanco Galindo, opposing the opening of a new water extraction well by Embol S.A., the local Coca-Cola bottler. Led by neighbourhood organisations, the protest highlighted concerns about the potential impact of the new well on water availability for human consumption.

Hugo Checo and Nadia Villazón were detained during the protest but were released after three hours, according to María Elena Ortiz, president of the Villa María Neighbourhood Council. The protest was called off following the detentions; however, neighbourhood groups have resolved to demand the permanent closure of the new well. They also seek oversight of existing wells in the area to evaluate their water capacity and have called for the relocation of Embol’s operations to an industrial zone in Santivañez, Cochabamba. Ortiz underscored the importance of safeguarding water resources, noting that 90 per cent of Quillacollo’s population relies on wells managed by local neighbourhood associations.

In response, Embol issued a statement confirming that the work was to replace an existing well, and that the project had been approved by the Cochabamba Departmental Government through the issuance of an environmental licence. The company assured that its operations comply with national, departmental and municipal regulations.

Despite these assurances, community leaders, including Ortiz, have expressed concerns that the new well may further strain local water supplies. They argued that although the company holds an environmental licence, it lacks authorisation from the Water Social Control and Oversight Authority (AAPS). Ortiz further mentioned that the Municipal Water and Sewerage Company of Quillacollo had already fined Embol for non-compliance.

Tensions rise during International Women’s Day protests

Marking International Women’s Day on 8th March 2024, women across Bolivia demanded the protection of their rights and voiced their rejection of gender-based violence, which claimed the lives of 80 women in 2023 and 12 so far in 2024. Large-scale protests took place in Santa Cruz, El Alto, La Paz, Cochabamba, Sucre and Tarija, drawing attention to the ongoing challenges regarding women’s rights. Protesters also expressed solidarity with calls for a ceasefire in Palestine.

Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, women in Santa Cruz faced verbal abuse and physical threats from bystanders. Additionally, tensions arose between feminist and religious groups in La Paz and Santa Cruz. Religious groups advocating for the “natural family” and the protection of Catholic monuments staged counter-protests on the same day. Despite the confrontational atmosphere, no violent incidents were reported.

Community members peacefully take over La Estrella mining facility

On 1st March 2024, Jesús de Machaca indigenous community members peacefully took control of the La Estrella mining facility in Potosí, citing serious concerns over alleged contamination that poses a risk to public health. The community’s actions are a direct response to what they describe as ongoing environmental degradation caused by the mining operation.

On the previous day, a delegation of Indigenous authorities and community members travelled to the capital of Potosí to report the pollution affecting their region. Efraín Vera Marca, a representative of the community, identified the La Estrella mining facility as the primary source of contamination. He recalled that the community had recently issued a warning regarding the imminent collapse of the mine’s tailings dam. Fearing a potential environmental disaster, the community closed the facility’s operations.

Despite their peaceful closure of the facility, the owner of the mine allegedly sent a group of workers to physically assault four community members who were guarding the entrance. Among the victims was a minor who sustained a broken nose and underwent medical treatment, according to Vera Marca’s statement.

Police clash with tanker drivers in La Paz

On 19th February 2024, a protest by tanker drivers in La Paz escalated into a confrontation with police. The protest, triggered by internal disputes with Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), saw drivers block key roads in the city. When police attempted to clear the blockades by towing away the tankers, the drivers resisted, leading to a clash. The police responded with tear gas to disperse the protesters, resulting in the detention of 27 tanker drivers.