Bolivia protest sees violent clashes, looting in La Paz

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

LA PAZ : Violent clashes and widespread looting erupted in Bolivia's capital city on Monday as massive public protests over a severe economic crisis spiraled out of control.

The severe unrest in La Paz left at least 42 people injured, including 15 police officers, following intense confrontations near the government headquarters. Organized demonstrators, primarily mobilized by major transport unions and social movements, marched to protest acute fuel shortages and skyrocketing basic food prices. The situation rapidly deteriorated when masked groups split from the main march, successfully breaching police barricades, smashing store windows, and looting commercial establishments.

The soaring domestic tensions directly reflect deepening public anger over the country's depleted foreign currency reserves and a crippling lack of dollars. In response to the escalating street violence, riot police deployed heavy volleys of tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. President Luis Arce firmly condemned the destruction, asserting that political agitators are actively exploiting genuine economic hardships to destabilize the state.