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Original article: Represión en Bolivia: policía detiene a líder campesino mientras crece presión por el fin del gobierno de Rodrigo Paz

In the heart of La Paz, in front of Plaza Murillo, police officers executed the arrest of Vicente Salazar, a prominent leader of the Departmental Unique Federation of Peasant Workers of La Paz Túpac Katari, on Wednesday. This arrest occurred amidst a popular uprising in Bolivia, specifically during a massive march of Quechua and Aymara communities from northern Potosí, who alongside farmers from El Alto and the Bolivian Workers’ Central (COB) are demanding an end to neoliberal policies and the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.

The mobilization, which brought together thousands of people in the political center of the country, was suppressed by law enforcement using tear gas, resulting in multiple arrests. As of now, police authorities have not provided an official report on the number of detainees, raising alarm among social organizations.

According to David Mamani, another leader of Túpac Katari, this represents a strategy of judicial persecution and intimidation against the ranks that have been in continuous mobilization for more than 40 days. He stated that defense teams are on permanent alert and are coordinating with police to determine the exact number of community members apprehended during the day.

In a later statement, the Túpac Katari Federation expressed its deep concern over what they view as actions aimed at silencing the voices of those who legitimately represent the people’s demands. The text warned that these incidents reinforce the feeling of criminalization against social protest.

If Rodrigo Paz Ignores the Majority, He Will Face «Imminent Social Turmoil»

Hours before being handcuffed and taken to police cells, Vicente Salazar reiterated the demands of indigenous peoples against the neoliberal measures and privatization schemes implemented by Paz during his seven months in office, issuing a stark warning: if the government does not heed the will of the majority, it will face an «imminent social turmoil».

«The president has two paths ahead, the people have decided: it’s either voluntary resignation or he will face a convulsion, it must be clear,» asserted the leader.

«They are listening, the people demand, and we leaders are their spokespeople,» he emphasized.

The peasant leader also condemned the recent enactment of the controversial Law 1740, which allows the executive to declare a State of Emergency to militarize critical points and clear blockades by force, calling it an open provocation against the historical rights of the peoples.

Days earlier, Salazar had categorically denied official statements attempting to create a false narrative about dialogue being established between the government and the peasants, pointing out that neither Túpac Katari nor Bartolina Sisa had engaged in any discussions.

In the same vein, he criticized what he termed media fabrications employed by Paz’s administration to sow internal divisions. His demands were clear: an end to judicial persecution, closure of legal records, and the release of all detainees.

While the streets simmered with multisectoral protests, President Rodrigo Paz signed an infrastructure agreement in El Alto alongside Mayor Eliser Roca, attempting to simulate openness to dialogue. However, he simultaneously hardened his rhetoric: “What I will not tolerate is narcoterrorism. Understand, I’ve stated previously, their days are numbered,” he issued as an open threat to mobilized sectors.

The arrest of Salazar and the president’s statements only served to intensify social pressure in Bolivia.

La entrada Police Arrest Bolivian Farmer Leader Vicente Salazar Amid Growing Call for Resignation of President Rodrigo Paz se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.