Bolivia parliament clears path for Paz to deploy military
The measure awaits the president's signature and gives troops legal protection when using force against protesters.
Bolivia's parliament approved a law expanding President Rodrigo Paz's authority to deploy the military to remove road blockades amid weeks of anti-government protests. The bill passed the lower house on 7 June after earlier approval by the Senate, and now awaits Paz's signature. The new rules loosen emergency provisions and allow soldiers to use force against demonstrators, backed by a “presumption of legality” in conflict situations. The protests demanding Paz's resignation have disrupted food, medicine and fuel distribution, especially in La Paz and El Alto. In San Julian, riot police backed by military vehicles fired tear gas while clearing a blockade; demonstrators responded with stones and burning tires.