In Bolivia, Police Crackdown Could Incite Violent Response

Bolivian police cracked down Sept. 25 in Beni department on a group of indigenous protesters who were demonstrating against the construction of a road through the Isiboro Secure National Park and Indigenous Territory. A number of domestic groups have voiced their disapproval of the incident, with a trade union calling for a national strike Sept. 28. Meanwhile, Brazil, which has funded the construction project, will increase pressure on Bolivian President Evo Morales the longer the issue goes unresolved. Growing frustration with Morales' rule could mean a violent response to the incident is likely.