The Education Ministry's new curriculum was opposed by protesters, who also called for additional funding for their industry. Protesters retaliated with sticks and bombs after being shot at by police with paint pellets and tear gas. After being taken away by police, Yacuiba teacher Angel remarked, "The government says they don't have a budget for education, but there is budget to buy tear gas, to shoot at us."

Bolivia: Violence escalates during teachers' protest

Protesters set off fireworks at police on Monday (January 2) night in the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz during the sixth day of protests following the arrest of local governor Luis Camacho.

Bolivian police targeted with fireworks as protests enter sixth day

The political situation is escalating in Bolivia. There has been weeks of unrest in the country and it is just about to get worst. Watch this video to know more.

Bolivia Political Row: Protesters angry over delayed census

Bolivia on Friday slammed its former colonial ruler Spain for allegedly "trampling" its sovereignty in a deepening diplomatic row.

The two countries have been in a spiraling spat since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-accuses-bolivia-of-intimidating-its-diplomats-in-la-paz-269871">Mexico </a>granted asylum to Bolivian ex-president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-arrives-in-argentina-to-get-refugee-status-268008">Evo Morales</a>, who resigned on November 10 in the face of mass protests, and granted refuge to top officials from his leftist government at its embassy.

Police on Thursday stopped the entry of vehicles carrying hooded Spanish personnel from entering the embassy in La Paz, which has become the center of a diplomatic row after the embassy sheltered some 20 officials from the former government, Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said.

She did not say if Bolivia had derailed what could have been an attempted breakout of the Bolivian officials.

"Spanish embassy diplomatic and security staff in Bolivia are not authorized to carry firearms or wear attire that conceals their identity," she said, stressing "these acts contravene diplomatic practices."

Since Spain "abused the (diplomatic) privileges it has" under the Vienna Convention, Bolivia sent a letter to the Spanish Foreign Ministry to report the "serious trampling of Bolivia's sovereignty."

The diplomatic letter would be sent to the European Union, Organization of American States and United Nations, Longaric said.

Mexico accuses Bolivia's new interim government of responding with a campaign of "harassment and intimidation" by deploying a large contingent of police and intelligence officers outside the embassy. That move, according to Mexico, violates the 1961 Vienna Convention on the protected status of diplomatic missions.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard has said his staff would file a complaint with the International Court of Justice in the Hague.

Since right-wing interim president Jeanine Anez took over from Morales, the Bolivian authorities have issued arrest warrants for four of the ex-officials inside the Mexican embassy, accusing them of "sedition" and "terrorism" in connection with protest violence that killed 36 people.

Bolivia has been in turmoil since Morales, who had been in power since 2006, declared he won re-election to a controversial fourth term in a vote that was marred by accusations of fraud.

Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, resigned after losing the army's backing and fled to Mexico, then Argentina.

Bolivia on Friday slammed its former colonial ruler Spain for allegedly "trampling" its sovereignty in a deepening diplomatic row. The two countries have been in a spiraling spat since Mexico granted asylum to Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales, who resigned on November 10 in the face of mass protests, and granted refuge to top officials from his leftist government at its embassy.

Bolivia on Friday slammed its former colonial ruler Spain for allegedly "trampling" its sovereignty in a deepening diplomatic row. The two countries have been in a spiraling spat since Mexico granted asylum to Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales, who resigned on November 10 in the face of mass protests, and granted refuge to top officials from his leftist government at its embassy. Police on Thursday stopped the entry of vehicles carrying hooded Spanish personnel from entering the embassy in La Paz, which has become the center of a diplomatic row after the embassy sheltered some 20 officials from the former government, Foreign Minister Karen Longaric said. She did not say if Bolivia had derailed what could have been an attempted breakout of the Bolivian officials. "Spanish embassy diplomatic and security staff in Bolivia are not authorized to carry firearms or wear attire that conceals their identity," she said, stressing "these acts contravene diplomatic practices." Since Spain "abused the (diplomatic) privileges it has" under the Vienna Convention, Bolivia sent a letter to the Spanish Foreign Ministry to report the "serious trampling of Bolivia's sovereignty." The diplomatic letter would be sent to the European Union, Organization of American States and United Nations, Longaric said. Mexico accuses Bolivia's new interim government of responding with a campaign of "harassment and intimidation" by deploying a large contingent of police and intelligence officers outside the embassy. That move, according to Mexico, violates the 1961 Vienna Convention on the protected status of diplomatic missions. Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard has said his staff would file a complaint with the International Court of Justice in the Hague. Since right-wing interim president Jeanine Anez took over from Morales, the Bolivian authorities have issued arrest warrants for four of the ex-officials inside the Mexican embassy, accusing them of "sedition" and "terrorism" in connection with protest violence that killed 36 people. Bolivia has been in turmoil since Morales, who had been in power since 2006, declared he won re-election to a controversial fourth term in a vote that was marred by accusations of fraud. Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, resigned after losing the army's backing and fled to Mexico, then Argentina.

Bolivia slams Spain's bid to use arms in diplomatic row

Bolivians suffered long lines on the streets of La Paz on Sunday to secure chicken, eggs and cooking fuel as supporters of ousted President Evo Morales continued to cripple the country's highways, isolating population centers from lowland farms.

Officials said a massive Hercules military plane had touched down in the highland capital of La Paz Saturday with a cargo full of meat products, bypassing the barricaded highways that drop down out of the city.

Presidency minister Jerjes Justiniano told reporters the government of interim President Jeanine Anez had established an "air bridge" to La Paz. He said officials hoped to do the same with other major Bolivian cities cut off from supplies.

The Andean nation erupted into crisis following the country's Oct. 20 election. Then-President Morales, who won the election, resigned last Sunday after an Organization of American States audit revealed evidence of vote-rigging. He fled to Mexico.

Morales' supporters took to the streets shortly after, sometimes armed with homemade bazookas, handguns and grenades, barricading roads and skirmishing with security forces.

As violence has escalated, many in the poorer regions of La Paz had taken to cooking over firewood as long lines for liquified gas, canisters and scarce food complicated life.

"I hope things calm down," said Josue Pillco, a construction worker from a working-class La Paz neighbourhood. "We're not getting any food or gasoline."

Violent protests Friday around Cochabamba, a coca-growing region and stronghold of Morales' supporters, left at least nine dead, officials said.&nbsp;

The deaths have prompted allegations of human rights abuses by police forces under Anez, a former conservative lawmaker.

Anez has blamed Morales for stoking violence from abroad and has said her government wishes to hold elections and meet with the opposition to halt protests.

U.N. envoy Jean Arnault said a team would hold meetings with politicians and social groups beginning Sunday to end the violence and push for "free and transparent elections."

Bolivians suffered long lines on the streets of La Paz on Sunday to secure chicken, eggs and cooking fuel as supporters of ousted President Evo Morales continued to cripple the country's highways, isolating population centers from lowland farms.

Bolivians suffered long lines on the streets of La Paz on Sunday to secure chicken, eggs and cooking fuel as supporters of ousted President Evo Morales continued to cripple the country's highways, isolating population centers from lowland farms. Officials said a massive Hercules military plane had touched down in the highland capital of La Paz Saturday with a cargo full of meat products, bypassing the barricaded highways that drop down out of the city. Presidency minister Jerjes Justiniano told reporters the government of interim President Jeanine Anez had established an "air bridge" to La Paz. He said officials hoped to do the same with other major Bolivian cities cut off from supplies. The Andean nation erupted into crisis following the country's Oct. 20 election. Then-President Morales, who won the election, resigned last Sunday after an Organization of American States audit revealed evidence of vote-rigging. He fled to Mexico. Morales' supporters took to the streets shortly after, sometimes armed with homemade bazookas, handguns and grenades, barricading roads and skirmishing with security forces. As violence has escalated, many in the poorer regions of La Paz had taken to cooking over firewood as long lines for liquified gas, canisters and scarce food complicated life. "I hope things calm down," said Josue Pillco, a construction worker from a working-class La Paz neighbourhood. "We're not getting any food or gasoline." Violent protests Friday around Cochabamba, a coca-growing region and stronghold of Morales' supporters, left at least nine dead, officials said. The deaths have prompted allegations of human rights abuses by police forces under Anez, a former conservative lawmaker. Anez has blamed Morales for stoking violence from abroad and has said her government wishes to hold elections and meet with the opposition to halt protests. U.N. envoy Jean Arnault said a team would hold meetings with politicians and social groups beginning Sunday to end the violence and push for "free and transparent elections."

Bolivians queue for chicken and fuel as protests cripple highways

Clashes between security forces and Bolivian coca farmers loyal to ousted former President Evo Morales left as many as eight dead and more than 100 injured late on Friday, the regional ombudsman told Reuters, prompting Morales to decry a "massacre."

Morales resigned under pressure from Bolivia's police and military last Sunday after evidence of vote-rigging tainted his October&nbsp;20 election victory. He then fled to Mexico.

The leftist and charismatic former coca farmer has called his ouster a "coup," and decried growing allegations of heavy-handed repression by Bolivian security forces.

"The coup leaders massacre indigenous people and humble people for asking for democracy," Morales said on Twitter late Friday, following reports of mounting deaths.

The violence in Bolivia adds to a wave of unrest in the region, including in neighbour Chile, where protests over social inequalities spiralled out of control and left at least 20 dead.

Cochabamba regional ombudsman Nelson Cox said hospital records in the coca farming region showed the "vast majority" of Friday´s deaths and injuries had been caused by bullet wounds. He called the reaction of security forces in the region an "act of repression."

"We are working with the national ombudsman´s office to conduct autopsies to determine the cause of death and seek justice for these victims," Cox told Reuters in an interview Saturday morning.

Supporters continue to agitate for Morales, blocking major highways, cutting oil pipelines and launching mass protests in the streets of La Paz, El Alto and in coca farming regions long loyal to him.

Though the capital La Paz was calm Saturday morning, highway blockades prompted panic on the streets, with many rushing to hoard groceries as supplies ran low and prices rose.

Bolivia´s national ombudsman said Friday that total deaths had hit 19 since the Oct. 20 election, a number which has accelerated over the last week.

The rising body count prompted Morales to strike a more conciliatory tone with the government of interim President Jeanine Anez in recent days.

"For the sake of democracy, if they don't want me to take part, I have no problem not taking part in new elections," Morales told Reuters in an interview in Mexico City. 
&nbsp;

Clashes between security forces and Bolivian coca farmers loyal to ousted former President Evo Morales left as many as eight dead and more than 100 injured late on Friday, the regional ombudsman told Reuters, prompting Morales to decry a "massacre.

Clashes between security forces and Bolivian coca farmers loyal to ousted former President Evo Morales left as many as eight dead and more than 100 injured late on Friday, the regional ombudsman told Reuters, prompting Morales to decry a "massacre." Morales resigned under pressure from Bolivia's police and military last Sunday after evidence of vote-rigging tainted his October 20 election victory. He then fled to Mexico. The leftist and charismatic former coca farmer has called his ouster a "coup," and decried growing allegations of heavy-handed repression by Bolivian security forces. "The coup leaders massacre indigenous people and humble people for asking for democracy," Morales said on Twitter late Friday, following reports of mounting deaths. The violence in Bolivia adds to a wave of unrest in the region, including in neighbour Chile, where protests over social inequalities spiralled out of control and left at least 20 dead. Cochabamba regional ombudsman Nelson Cox said hospital records in the coca farming region showed the "vast majority" of Friday´s deaths and injuries had been caused by bullet wounds. He called the reaction of security forces in the region an "act of repression." "We are working with the national ombudsman´s office to conduct autopsies to determine the cause of death and seek justice for these victims," Cox told Reuters in an interview Saturday morning. Supporters continue to agitate for Morales, blocking major highways, cutting oil pipelines and launching mass protests in the streets of La Paz, El Alto and in coca farming regions long loyal to him. Though the capital La Paz was calm Saturday morning, highway blockades prompted panic on the streets, with many rushing to hoard groceries as supplies ran low and prices rose. Bolivia´s national ombudsman said Friday that total deaths had hit 19 since the Oct. 20 election, a number which has accelerated over the last week. The rising body count prompted Morales to strike a more conciliatory tone with the government of interim President Jeanine Anez in recent days. "For the sake of democracy, if they don't want me to take part, I have no problem not taking part in new elections," Morales told Reuters in an interview in Mexico City.

Bolivian police battle with Morales supporters, death toll jumps to 8; over 100 injured

Five people were killed in violent clashes between the protesters and security forces on Friday in Bolivia.

AFP reported that the five people were the supporters of former president Evo Morales who is on an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-to-be-granted-asylum-his-life-at-risk-in-bolivia-mexico-261494">exile in Mexico</a>. The death toll was so far not declared by the authorities, although 100 people are detained in the riots outside Cochabamba.

Bolivia's interim leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-interim-president-rules-out-morales-election-bid-262276">Jeanine Anez </a>said that the exiled leader will need to "answer to justice" if he returns to the country. "He knows he has to answer to justice. There is electoral crime. There are many allegations of corruption in his government," the interim leader told reporters in La Paz.

Morales said that he is willing to return in order to bring peace in the country.&nbsp;

On Friday, clashes broke out between coca growers and security officials in Cochabamba after the former intended to reach city centre 18 kilometres away to join a protest against interim chief Jeanine Anez. The police did not allow the demonstrators to reach the protest site.&nbsp;

Cochabamba police commander Colonel Jamie Zurita said that the protesters carried "weapons, guns, Molotov cocktails, homemade bazookas and explosive devices". He also added that protesters were carrying dynamite and other "deadly weapons" which made the police took this action. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Riot police and the army ensured that the crowd was dispersed late in the evening.&nbsp;

"This is a real massacre, it is a genocide, I deplore all these deaths," Evo Morales told CNN.

Earlier on Friday, the interim leader announced that Morales will not contest in the new election as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the former president and socialist icon and against Anez. Anez said that Morales will not contest his fourth term. Bolivia's constitution limits a president for two successive terms. The protesters claimed that Morales' departure was not a resgination but a product of coup.

Bolivia is in the middle of unrest since October 20 when election results were announced and Morales was accused of rigging the elections in order to stay in power.

At least 15 people have already died and over 400 are injured in the protests. Schools and universities are closed due to the massive demonstrations.&nbsp;

Anez declared herself as the leader of the country on Tuesday after Morales fled to Mexico claiming the threat to his life. Bolivia's top court validated Anez's move. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">United States</a>, Russia, Guatemala and Colombia recognize Anez as interim leader but Moscow claims&nbsp;that Morales was a victim of a coup.

 
&nbsp;

Five people were killed in violent clashes between the protesters and security forces on Friday in Bolivia. AFP reported that the five people were the supporters of former president Evo Morales who is on an exile in Mexico.

Five people were killed in violent clashes between the protesters and security forces on Friday in Bolivia. AFP reported that the five people were the supporters of former president Evo Morales who is on an exile in Mexico. The death toll was so far not declared by the authorities, although 100 people are detained in the riots outside Cochabamba. Bolivia's interim leader Jeanine Anez said that the exiled leader will need to "answer to justice" if he returns to the country. "He knows he has to answer to justice. There is electoral crime. There are many allegations of corruption in his government," the interim leader told reporters in La Paz. Morales said that he is willing to return in order to bring peace in the country. On Friday, clashes broke out between coca growers and security officials in Cochabamba after the former intended to reach city centre 18 kilometres away to join a protest against interim chief Jeanine Anez. The police did not allow the demonstrators to reach the protest site. Cochabamba police commander Colonel Jamie Zurita said that the protesters carried "weapons, guns, Molotov cocktails, homemade bazookas and explosive devices". He also added that protesters were carrying dynamite and other "deadly weapons" which made the police took this action. Riot police and the army ensured that the crowd was dispersed late in the evening. "This is a real massacre, it is a genocide, I deplore all these deaths," Evo Morales told CNN. Earlier on Friday, the interim leader announced that Morales will not contest in the new election as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the former president and socialist icon and against Anez. Anez said that Morales will not contest his fourth term. Bolivia's constitution limits a president for two successive terms. The protesters claimed that Morales' departure was not a resgination but a product of coup. Bolivia is in the middle of unrest since October 20 when election results were announced and Morales was accused of rigging the elections in order to stay in power. At least 15 people have already died and over 400 are injured in the protests. Schools and universities are closed due to the massive demonstrations. Anez declared herself as the leader of the country on Tuesday after Morales fled to Mexico claiming the threat to his life. Bolivia's top court validated Anez's move. The United States, Russia, Guatemala and Colombia recognize Anez as interim leader but Moscow claims that Morales was a victim of a coup.

Five supporters of exiled leader Morales killed in clashes in Bolivia

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 14th, 2019

Bolivia's new interim president pledged on Wednesday to hold a new election as soon as possible and condemned "revenge" acts by disgruntled supporters of fallen leader Evo Morales who resigned after protests over a disputed vote.

Senate vice-president and conservative Jeanine Anez, 52, assumed the interim role on Tuesday with a Bible in her hand after Morales took refuge in Mexico following the end of his 14-year socialist rule of the poor Andean nation.

"God bless you and allow us to be free and to hold transparent elections soon," she tweeted on Wednesday in a message to the country's youth.

Her arrival at the presidential palace faces an immediate challenge from lawmakers loyal to Morales who hold a majority in parliament and have threatened to hold a rival session to nullify her appointment.

After weeks of violent protests over alleged election rigging and then Morales' resignation, the highland capital La Paz was calmer on Wednesday, though dozens of his supporters protested outside looking to block access to the palace.

In 48 hours of turmoil at the weekend, mutinous police climbed on stations and joined marches, allies deserted Morales, the Organization of American States (OAS) declared his re-election was manipulated, and the military urged him to quit.

From Mexico, Morales has stayed defiant, accusing opposition leaders of a coup. Supporters, including a teaching union, planned rallies for Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president who was beloved by the poor when he took power in 2006.

'Revenge continues'

Opponents say pressure had built to a point of no-return after increasing evidence of tampering with the October vote, and that Morales had gone against the will of the people by seeking a fourth term.

Bolivia's largest union threatened a widespread strike unless politicians could restore stability, while a coca farmers' union official and a lawmaker close to Morales called for protests until he returned to finish his mandate in January.

Anez met on Tuesday night with the police and military, urging them to ensure peace.

"What a shame revenge continues," she tweeted to one lawmaker who said his house had been attacked by supporters of Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS).

She entered the older "Burned Palace" presidential building on Wednesday, which Morales had stopped using considering it a discredited symbol of past power.

Bolivia's crisis has divided international reaction, with left-wing allies echoing his allegations of a coup, and others cheering his resignation as good for democracy.

Conservative-led Brazil and Britain congratulated Anez.

"We look to all political parties to support efforts to restore calm following recent violence and to organize fresh presidential elections in accordance with the constitution," the British Foreign Office said in a statement.

(Reporting by Gram Slattery, Daniel Ramos and Monica Machicao in La Paz; Writing by Ad

Bolivia's new interim president pledged on Wednesday to hold a new election as soon as possible and condemned "revenge" acts by disgruntled supporters of fallen leader Evo Morales who resigned after protests over a disputed vote.

Bolivia's new interim president pledged on Wednesday to hold a new election as soon as possible and condemned "revenge" acts by disgruntled supporters of fallen leader Evo Morales who resigned after protests over a disputed vote. Senate vice-president and conservative Jeanine Anez, 52, assumed the interim role on Tuesday with a Bible in her hand after Morales took refuge in Mexico following the end of his 14-year socialist rule of the poor Andean nation. "God bless you and allow us to be free and to hold transparent elections soon," she tweeted on Wednesday in a message to the country's youth. Her arrival at the presidential palace faces an immediate challenge from lawmakers loyal to Morales who hold a majority in parliament and have threatened to hold a rival session to nullify her appointment. After weeks of violent protests over alleged election rigging and then Morales' resignation, the highland capital La Paz was calmer on Wednesday, though dozens of his supporters protested outside looking to block access to the palace. In 48 hours of turmoil at the weekend, mutinous police climbed on stations and joined marches, allies deserted Morales, the Organization of American States (OAS) declared his re-election was manipulated, and the military urged him to quit. From Mexico, Morales has stayed defiant, accusing opposition leaders of a coup. Supporters, including a teaching union, planned rallies for Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president who was beloved by the poor when he took power in 2006. 'Revenge continues' Opponents say pressure had built to a point of no-return after increasing evidence of tampering with the October vote, and that Morales had gone against the will of the people by seeking a fourth term. Bolivia's largest union threatened a widespread strike unless politicians could restore stability, while a coca farmers' union official and a lawmaker close to Morales called for protests until he returned to finish his mandate in January. Anez met on Tuesday night with the police and military, urging them to ensure peace. "What a shame revenge continues," she tweeted to one lawmaker who said his house had been attacked by supporters of Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS). She entered the older "Burned Palace" presidential building on Wednesday, which Morales had stopped using considering it a discredited symbol of past power. Bolivia's crisis has divided international reaction, with left-wing allies echoing his allegations of a coup, and others cheering his resignation as good for democracy. Conservative-led Brazil and Britain congratulated Anez. "We look to all political parties to support efforts to restore calm following recent violence and to organize fresh presidential elections in accordance with the constitution," the British Foreign Office said in a statement. (Reporting by Gram Slattery, Daniel Ramos and Monica Machicao in La Paz; Writing by Ad

New Bolivian leader seeks quick vote, foes plan disruptions

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 12th, 2019

Opposition demonstrators in Bolivia overran two state-run media outlets and forced them off the air Saturday and some police stopped guarding the square where President Evo Morales' palace is located, as tensions remained high after a disputed election.

Demonstrators burst into the offices of Bolivia TV and Radio Patria Nueva and forced employees to leave, accusing them of serving the interests of Morales, said the director of the latter of the two, Ivan Maldonado.

"We were evicted by force after receiving constant threats from people gathered outside," Maldonado told AFP.

Some 40 employees were seen leaving the building that the two news organisations share in La Paz, walking hand in hand as a crowd of some 300 demonstrators yelled insults. Afterwards, both outlets broadcast only music.

It was the latest thrust of a movement protesting alleged vote-counting fraud in the election last month that gave Morales a fourth straight term.

Morales denounced the seizure of the media outlets. "They say they defend democracy, but they behave as if they were in a dictatorship," he tweeted.

A radio station run by a farmers' union was also seized by protesters, Morales said.

He called earlier in the day for urgent, open-ended dialogue with opposition parties holding seats in the National Assembly, but he pointedly excluded the powerful regional civic committees opposing him.

An opposition leader, former president Carlos Mesa, immediately rejected Morales's gesture, saying, "We have nothing to negotiate with Evo Morales and his government."

A police rebellion erupted Friday among an elite tactical operations unit called UTOP in the central city of Cochabamba. It then spread to units in Sucre, the constitutional capital, and Santa Cruz, a bastion of opposition strength in the east.

During the night the rebellion reached other cities but mostly spared La Paz, the country's administrative capital, local media reported.

But in a worrying sign for the Morales government, the UTOP officers in La Paz who for weeks have closely guarded the central Plaza Murillo -- where the presidential palace is located -- withdrew to their quarters Saturday in evident solidarity with the protests, an AFP reporter observed.

The sector remained guarded only by a small number of officers.

Opposition groups have branded the election result a fraud and demanded Morales's resignation. Three people have died so far and hundreds injured in unrest triggered by the protests.

The leftist president, Bolivia's first from the indigenous population, assailed the police action. Morales said Friday on Twitter that "our democracy is at risk from a coup d'etat launched by violent groups undermining the constitutional order."

Opposition leaders urged the military to follow in the footsteps of the rebellious police.

Defense Minister Javier Zavaleta said there was no plan to send troops to subdue the police.

A call to 'defend' Morales

The governing Movement for Socialism called on party supporters to come to La Paz to "defend" the results of the vote that kept Morales in power for an unprecedented fourth term.

Buses carrying opposition activists to La Paz came under attack Saturday by Morales supporters in rural Vila Vila, about 100 miles (160 kilometres) southeast of La Paz, an opposition leader, Rodrigo Echalar, said on television.&nbsp;

Up to now, the streets of La Paz have mainly been occupied by anti-government protesters, but on Friday night some of them marched side-by-side with the policemen who had earlier put down their protests.&nbsp;

An AFP reporter witnessed dozens of police marching alongside opposition activists in central La Paz, shouting anti-Morales slogans.

- Calls to the troops - 
Mesa, who came in second in the October 20 election, joined former presidents Jaime Paz Zamora and Jorge Quiroga in urging the military not to put down the protests.

Quiroga reminded the troops that five former military chiefs remain in prison over the deaths in 2003 of anti-government protesters.&nbsp;

In La Paz, dozens of protesters marched to the Military College to urge the troops to join the push for Morales's resignation.

In some neighbourhoods, people celebrated the police rebellion as if Bolivia had won an important soccer match.

Morales has insisted that the October elections were fair and transparent.&nbsp;

The Organization of American States is auditing the results.

Opposition demonstrators in Bolivia overran two state-run media outlets and forced them off the air Saturday and some police stopped guarding the square where President Evo Morales' palace is located, as tensions remained high after a disputed election.

Opposition demonstrators in Bolivia overran two state-run media outlets and forced them off the air Saturday and some police stopped guarding the square where President Evo Morales' palace is located, as tensions remained high after a disputed election. Demonstrators burst into the offices of Bolivia TV and Radio Patria Nueva and forced employees to leave, accusing them of serving the interests of Morales, said the director of the latter of the two, Ivan Maldonado. "We were evicted by force after receiving constant threats from people gathered outside," Maldonado told AFP. Some 40 employees were seen leaving the building that the two news organisations share in La Paz, walking hand in hand as a crowd of some 300 demonstrators yelled insults. Afterwards, both outlets broadcast only music. It was the latest thrust of a movement protesting alleged vote-counting fraud in the election last month that gave Morales a fourth straight term. Morales denounced the seizure of the media outlets. "They say they defend democracy, but they behave as if they were in a dictatorship," he tweeted. A radio station run by a farmers' union was also seized by protesters, Morales said. He called earlier in the day for urgent, open-ended dialogue with opposition parties holding seats in the National Assembly, but he pointedly excluded the powerful regional civic committees opposing him. An opposition leader, former president Carlos Mesa, immediately rejected Morales's gesture, saying, "We have nothing to negotiate with Evo Morales and his government." A police rebellion erupted Friday among an elite tactical operations unit called UTOP in the central city of Cochabamba. It then spread to units in Sucre, the constitutional capital, and Santa Cruz, a bastion of opposition strength in the east. During the night the rebellion reached other cities but mostly spared La Paz, the country's administrative capital, local media reported. But in a worrying sign for the Morales government, the UTOP officers in La Paz who for weeks have closely guarded the central Plaza Murillo -- where the presidential palace is located -- withdrew to their quarters Saturday in evident solidarity with the protests, an AFP reporter observed. The sector remained guarded only by a small number of officers. Opposition groups have branded the election result a fraud and demanded Morales's resignation. Three people have died so far and hundreds injured in unrest triggered by the protests. The leftist president, Bolivia's first from the indigenous population, assailed the police action. Morales said Friday on Twitter that "our democracy is at risk from a coup d'etat launched by violent groups undermining the constitutional order." Opposition leaders urged the military to follow in the footsteps of the rebellious police. Defense Minister Javier Zavaleta said there was no plan to send troops to subdue the police. A call to 'defend' Morales The governing Movement for Socialism called on party supporters to come to La Paz to "defend" the results of the vote that kept Morales in power for an unprecedented fourth term. Buses carrying opposition activists to La Paz came under attack Saturday by Morales supporters in rural Vila Vila, about 100 miles (160 kilometres) southeast of La Paz, an opposition leader, Rodrigo Echalar, said on television. Up to now, the streets of La Paz have mainly been occupied by anti-government protesters, but on Friday night some of them marched side-by-side with the policemen who had earlier put down their protests. An AFP reporter witnessed dozens of police marching alongside opposition activists in central La Paz, shouting anti-Morales slogans. - Calls to the troops - Mesa, who came in second in the October 20 election, joined former presidents Jaime Paz Zamora and Jorge Quiroga in urging the military not to put down the protests. Quiroga reminded the troops that five former military chiefs remain in prison over the deaths in 2003 of anti-government protesters. In La Paz, dozens of protesters marched to the Military College to urge the troops to join the push for Morales's resignation. In some neighbourhoods, people celebrated the police rebellion as if Bolivia had won an important soccer match. Morales has insisted that the October elections were fair and transparent. The Organization of American States is auditing the results.

Protesters seize state-run media in Bolivia as tensions soar

Police in three Bolivian cities joined anti-government protests Friday, in one case marching with demonstrators in La Paz, in the first sign security forces are withdrawing support from President Evo Morales after a disputed election that has triggered riots.

The defence minister said the government has for now ruled out a military operation against the rebellious police as the political crisis stemming from last month's vote escalated.

Morales took to Twitter to denounce the police rebellion as a coup. "Before the international community, we denounce this attack on the rule of law," Morales wrote. He called on Bolivians to protect their democracy and constitution.

Morales earlier convened an emergency meeting with some of his ministers. The scope of the police rebellion was not immediately clear.

Bolivia has been rocked by deadly violence over opposition claims that Morales rigged his re-election last month.

On Friday dozens of police joined demonstrators marching along Prado Avenue in the capital and shouting slogans against Morales, AFP observed.

Bolivian television broadcast footage of police shaking hands with demonstrators in downtown La Paz -- a stark contrast to the last three nights, when the two sides clashed.

In some La Paz neighbourhoods, the police retreated to their barracks rather than take on protesters who shouted: "Police, our friends, the people are with you."

Elsewhere, units in the southeastern city of Sucre and the opposition stronghold of Santa Cruz said they were joining a rebellion launched by police officers in the central city of Cochabamba.

Police in Sucre "are joining in support of the comrades who have mutinied in Cochabamba," a uniformed officer, his face covered, told local TV from the door of a police station.

"We cannot continue with this narco-government, with this unjust democracy," he told the television.

Police from the Santa Cruz command also closed their station doors and several uniformed men climbed onto the roof, waving red, yellow and green Bolivian flags.

Hundreds of opposition supporters crowded around police stations in La Paz and in the northeastern city of Trinidad to urge police there to reject Morales.

A 20-year-old student died in clashes Wednesday between pro- and anti-government demonstrators in Cochabamba, bringing the overall toll to three dead since the disputed October 20 election.

Luis Fernando Camacho, an opposition leader, thanked the police who have split with the government. It was Camacho who over the weekend urged the security forces to join the opposition.

"I cried with joy," he tweeted. "Our police are so great. Thanks for siding with the people. May God bless you."

Police in three Bolivian cities joined anti-government protests Friday, in one case marching with demonstrators in La Paz, in the first sign security forces are withdrawing support from President Evo Morales after a disputed election that has triggered riots.

Police in three Bolivian cities joined anti-government protests Friday, in one case marching with demonstrators in La Paz, in the first sign security forces are withdrawing support from President Evo Morales after a disputed election that has triggered riots. The defence minister said the government has for now ruled out a military operation against the rebellious police as the political crisis stemming from last month's vote escalated. Morales took to Twitter to denounce the police rebellion as a coup. "Before the international community, we denounce this attack on the rule of law," Morales wrote. He called on Bolivians to protect their democracy and constitution. Morales earlier convened an emergency meeting with some of his ministers. The scope of the police rebellion was not immediately clear. Bolivia has been rocked by deadly violence over opposition claims that Morales rigged his re-election last month. On Friday dozens of police joined demonstrators marching along Prado Avenue in the capital and shouting slogans against Morales, AFP observed. Bolivian television broadcast footage of police shaking hands with demonstrators in downtown La Paz -- a stark contrast to the last three nights, when the two sides clashed. In some La Paz neighbourhoods, the police retreated to their barracks rather than take on protesters who shouted: "Police, our friends, the people are with you." Elsewhere, units in the southeastern city of Sucre and the opposition stronghold of Santa Cruz said they were joining a rebellion launched by police officers in the central city of Cochabamba. Police in Sucre "are joining in support of the comrades who have mutinied in Cochabamba," a uniformed officer, his face covered, told local TV from the door of a police station. "We cannot continue with this narco-government, with this unjust democracy," he told the television. Police from the Santa Cruz command also closed their station doors and several uniformed men climbed onto the roof, waving red, yellow and green Bolivian flags. Hundreds of opposition supporters crowded around police stations in La Paz and in the northeastern city of Trinidad to urge police there to reject Morales. A 20-year-old student died in clashes Wednesday between pro- and anti-government demonstrators in Cochabamba, bringing the overall toll to three dead since the disputed October 20 election. Luis Fernando Camacho, an opposition leader, thanked the police who have split with the government. It was Camacho who over the weekend urged the security forces to join the opposition. "I cried with joy," he tweeted. "Our police are so great. Thanks for siding with the people. May God bless you."

Police in Bolivia join opposition as crisis mounts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/violence-in-bolivia-bolivia-mayor-attacked-during-protests-260680">Street&nbsp;clashes</a> broke out on Thursday among supporters and opponents of Bolivia's government armed with&nbsp;slingshots&nbsp;and&nbsp;dynamite&nbsp;as an opposition leader planned a march to pressure President Evo Morales to resign after disputed&nbsp;elections last month.

Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz who has become an icon of the opposition, appeared at rallies in the city earlier in the day calling for Morales to step down.

He plans to deliver a pre-written resignation letter for the leftist leader to sign, a symbolic move that has sparked an angry response from pro-government supporters and hardened the resolve of a split opposition.

"We will deliver this letter in unity. This letter is not from Santa Cruz; it is from all Bolivia and it will be approved by all&nbsp;Bolivians, because we all want to build a country with democracy and freedom," Camacho said at a rally.

It was not clear when Camacho would deliver the letter, though the government played down its significance on Thursday, saying it would be received as any other petition.

The government also slammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/violent-protests-erupt-in-bolivia-against-evo-morales-260563">"shameful" violence </a>that led to scores being injured and one killed on Wednesday, blaming the&nbsp;clashes on the opposition as anger rose on both sides. A total of three people have died in the weeks-long protests.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of La Paz on Thursday night as&nbsp;clashes broke out.

Images and television footage from Wednesday showed groups&nbsp;clashing around the country, with particular violence in the cities of Cochabamba and La Paz. A young man was confirmed killed, while images of a local mayor having her hair forcibly cut and being covered in red paint by anti-government supporters circulated widely.

Morales, whose October&nbsp;election&nbsp;win was marred by allegations of fraud after an abrupt halt in the vote count and an unusual swing in the leftist leader's favor, again blamed the opposition for unrest as he addressed supporters in the rural area of Cochabamba.

In a press conference on Thursday, Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera called on opposition leaders Carlos Mesa and Camacho to help stop the violence and heed an ongoing audit of the vote by the Organization of American States (OAS).

Government critics, however, pointed the finger at supporters of Morales.

Mesa, the runner-up in the October&nbsp;20 vote, who has been calling for Morales to step down, said on Twitter that a young man who died on Wednesday had been "murdered" by Morales supporters and blamed the government for stoking the violence.

Street clashes broke out on Thursday among supporters and opponents of Bolivia's government armed with slingshots and dynamite as an opposition leader planned a march to pressure President Evo Morales to resign after disputed elections last month.

Street clashes broke out on Thursday among supporters and opponents of Bolivia's government armed with slingshots and dynamite as an opposition leader planned a march to pressure President Evo Morales to resign after disputed elections last month. Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz who has become an icon of the opposition, appeared at rallies in the city earlier in the day calling for Morales to step down. He plans to deliver a pre-written resignation letter for the leftist leader to sign, a symbolic move that has sparked an angry response from pro-government supporters and hardened the resolve of a split opposition. "We will deliver this letter in unity. This letter is not from Santa Cruz; it is from all Bolivia and it will be approved by all Bolivians, because we all want to build a country with democracy and freedom," Camacho said at a rally. It was not clear when Camacho would deliver the letter, though the government played down its significance on Thursday, saying it would be received as any other petition. The government also slammed "shameful" violence that led to scores being injured and one killed on Wednesday, blaming the clashes on the opposition as anger rose on both sides. A total of three people have died in the weeks-long protests. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of La Paz on Thursday night as clashes broke out. Images and television footage from Wednesday showed groups clashing around the country, with particular violence in the cities of Cochabamba and La Paz. A young man was confirmed killed, while images of a local mayor having her hair forcibly cut and being covered in red paint by anti-government supporters circulated widely. Morales, whose October election win was marred by allegations of fraud after an abrupt halt in the vote count and an unusual swing in the leftist leader's favor, again blamed the opposition for unrest as he addressed supporters in the rural area of Cochabamba. In a press conference on Thursday, Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera called on opposition leaders Carlos Mesa and Camacho to help stop the violence and heed an ongoing audit of the vote by the Organization of American States (OAS). Government critics, however, pointed the finger at supporters of Morales. Mesa, the runner-up in the October 20 vote, who has been calling for Morales to step down, said on Twitter that a young man who died on Wednesday had been "murdered" by Morales supporters and blamed the government for stoking the violence.

Slingshots and dynamite as Bolivians clash over election

Protests continue against President Evo Morales. To know more watch the video

Violent Protests erupt in Bolivia against Evo Morales

A civic leader urged Bolivians to "paralyse" government institutions and block the borders as protests sparked by the contentious election victory last month of President Evo Morales entered their third week on Monday (November 4).

Bolivian opposition leader calls for 'radical' strike action, blockades

Protesters poured on to the streets on Wednesday (October 23) in Bolivia's capital La Paz as anger continues to mount over election results.

"We live in a democratic country, not a dictatorship," says Bolivian protester

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