Disability Citizens demand the Bolivian Government for Civil Rights

In Bolivia, more than a hundred disabilities people protested aggressively against the Government for approval a law on state subsidies.

“About 150 people are in wheelchairs, some in a makeshift tent, the rest in the street,” hetold reporters leader Camilo Bianchi.

The leader Mario Torrico said “we have 10 partners declared a hunger strike,” the contingent of 80 people who arrived Thursday in La Paz after traveling 1,600 km in three months.

Police clashed with strikers preventing the passage of the Plaza de Armas in La Paz, the seat of the executive and legislative branches, shooting tear gas and clubs.

Weeks ago, several leaders of disabled citizens signed an agreement in which the Goverbnment agrees to pay a one thousand bolivianos bonus of ($144) “for severe” this year. According to the leader Juan Jose Barreda, now “we would be asking 3,000 bolivianos year and then we think it’s fair to expect to earn 4,800, and colleagues earn blind”. In Bolivia there are about 88,000 people with disabilities, including 13,500 in critical condition, according to independent studies.

Yesterday, the organization International Amnesty called on Bolivian Government to initiate an investigation “prompt, thorough and independent” excessive use of police force on Thursday.

(BG)