Bolivian lawmakers clash on floor of parliament
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Loading... - Fiona Cullen
- 31 May 2023
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Rival lawmakers in Bolivia engaged in a heated confrontation during a parliamentary session on Tuesday. The incident occurred when Minister of Government Eduardo del Castillo, representing President Luis Arce's leftist administration, was called upon to provide a report on the imprisonment of Luis Fernando Camacho, a prominent opposition figure and the conservative governor of the Santa Cruz region.
During his address, Del Castillo not only defended the legality of Camacho's arrest but also criticized parliamentarians from Camacho's party, Creemos, accusing them of being "radical, thieving, violent groups" aiming to exploit the Bolivian people. In response, a group of opposition lawmakers unfurled banners displaying messages such as "there can be no democracy with political prisoners" and images of Del Castillo, labeled as the "minister of terror."
Tensions escalated as a few pro-government parliamentarians attempted to seize the banners, resulting in a physical altercation involving approximately 20 lawmakers. Social media circulated images of punches, kicks, and even hair-pulling exchanged between the opposing factions. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, and the clash subsided after several minutes.
The presentation of the report was briefly halted following the incident. Creemos lawmaker Maria Rene Alvarez accused Del Castillo of fostering an atmosphere of aggression within the parliament. This recent episode further underscores the deep polarization prevailing in Bolivia, where the opposition claims that roughly 180 political prisoners are currently detained.
The leftist government contends that these prisoners were involved in an alleged coup against former President Evo Morales in 2019 and supported his successor, the right-wing Jeanine Anez, who is also in custody.
