Crisis in Bolivia: death toll rising amid protests to support Evo Morales

The death toll in Bolivia continues to increase after violent clashes between law enforcement officers and supporters of former President Evo Morales.

Law enforcement forces fired on Morales supporters in Sacaba on Friday, killing at least eight people.

A doctor in the city told the Associated Press that most of the dead and wounded had bullet wounds.

The country’s national ombudsman said that since the disputed elections of October 20, 19 people have died.

On Saturday, UN human rights leader Michelle Bachelet warned that violence in Bolivia could “get out of hand.”

“Repressive actions by the authorities … could jeopardize any possible path for dialogue,” she added.

In connection with allegations of election fraud, Mr. Morales resigned on November 10 and then fled to Mexico.

On Friday before the crackdown in Sakaba, he stated that no significant charges could be brought against him.