Bolivia’s security forces persecuted opponents with “systematic torture” and “summary executions” in the tumultuous aftermath of Evo Morales’ resignation in 2019, a new report by independent human rights experts says
Relatives of those killed during violent acts in 2019 listen to the final report of the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts at Bolivia's Central Bank Auditorium in La Paz, on August 17, 2021. security forces of carrying out "massacres" and "summary executions" during social unrest around the disputed 2019 elections.stood for and won an unconstitutional fourth term as president in an election found to be fraudulent by the Organization of American States .
"The police and armed forces, separately and in joint operations, used excessive and disproportionate force, and did not adequately protect citizens from acts of violence," said the group's report. The report highlights the deep political polarisation surrounding Morales’ changing of the constitution to seek a fourth term, deep-seated racism against his Indigenous followers and traditionally weak institutions as aggravating factors.