Authorities in Bolivia say striking miners have kidnapped and killed the country’s deputy government minister, who had traveled to the area to mediate in the conflict over mining laws.
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Mourners gather before the coffin containing the remains of Bolivia’s Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Rodolfo Illanes, during a Mass inside the government palace in La Paz, Bolivia Friday, Aug. 26, 2016.
Bolivian miners are in dispute with their government over laws which prevent them from dealing with worldwide companies.
Interior Minister Carlos Romero told a press conference that his 56-year-old deputy was abducted after he went to talk to the protesting miners in Panduro, around 160 km from the administrative capital, La Paz.
The situation had deteriorated after two miners were shot dead on Tuesday.
Two miners also died from gunshot wounds during clashes with police.
The miners began blocking the highway in the town of Panduro, 80 miles (130 kilometers) south of La Paz, on Monday, to demand they be allowed to work for private companies, which promise to put more cash in their pockets.
Independent miners clash with the police during protests in Panduro, Bolivia, Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016.
The miner demonstrations turned violent this week after a highway was blockaded, with protesters demanding mining concessions and the right to work for private or foreign companies.
Defence minister, Reymi Ferreira, broke down on television as he described how Illanes, appointed to his post in March, had apparently been “beaten and tortured to death”.
Businessman and opposition leader Samuel Doria Medina rejected Morales’ comments about the opposition and said the government should try to make peace.
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At midday Thursday, Mr. Illanes said on his Twitter account, “My health is fine, my family can be calm”. There are reports the Mr. Illanes had heart problems. They want to be able to associate with private companies, but are now prohibited from doing so. They are also against the policies what they refer to as Morales’ “neoliberal” agenda.
