Islam Times - Security Officers Use Violence Against Pro-Morales Protesters

Islam Times - Police and military personnel in La Paz, Bolivia have used batons and tear gas to disperse supporters of former President Evo Morales, who are protesting against interim President Jeanine Anez in the wake of Morales' resignation.

On Wednesday, militias from the group Ponchos Rojos (Red Ponchos) marched along the streets where government offices are located in La Paz, calling on Anez to resign.

On Tuesday, Bolivia’s Second Vice Speaker of the Senate Jeanine Anez proclaimed herself interim president, though the nation's former president has called her actions a coup.

The military, which was initially instructed to avoid suppressing demonstrators, has authorised the use of force against armed groups amid an increase of violence on the streets of the Latin American country.

Bolivian President Evo Morales stepped down last week amid unrest in the country.

In October, Bolivia held a presidential vote that saw Morales win his fourth term in office. However, the election results were not accepted by the opposition, sparking protests and violent unrest across the country.