✓ verbatim from the press ? no verbatim passage
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz signed on Monday (8) Law 1740 on Regulation of States of Exception, which authorizes the use of Armed Forces to repress protests and unblock roads. The law, composed of 27 articles and based on paragraph three of article 139 of the Bolivian Constitution, allows the president to decree a state of emergency for up to 90 days with Legislative Assembly approval. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"La Gaceta Oficial del Estado publicó la tarde de este lunes y Ley 1740 de Regulación de Estados de Excepción con lo que entra en plena vigencia en el país. La norma fue promulgada por el presidente Rodrigo Paz horas antes – pasado al medio día"
"Compuesta por 27 artículo, la Ley regular los estados de excepción, de conformidad a lo establecido en el parágrafo tercero del artículo 139 de la Constitución Política del Estado."
The legislation had been approved by the Chamber of Deputies on Sunday (7) with "more than two-thirds" of votes in a virtual session that counted 117 of 130 deputies, after more than five hours of debate. The promulgation occurs as Bolivia faces at least 90 road blockade points across six departments, with protests led by the 'Tupac Katari' Peasant Federation and the Workers' Central of Bolivia (COB) demanding Paz's resignation. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Fica sancionada a presente lei", afirmou o presidente do Legislativo, Roberto Castro, após mais de cinco horas de debate em sessão virtual da qual participaram 117 dos 130 deputados. A secretaria da Câmara informou que a proposta foi aprovada com "mais de dois terços" dos votos."
"que registrou ao menos 90 pontos de bloqueio distribuídos em Santa Cruz, Potosí, Chuquisaca, Oruro, La Paz e Cochabamba"
Military authorization to repress demonstrations echoes traumatic episodes from recent Bolivian history. In November 2019, security forces killed at least 23 civilians in operations against protests — 11 people were killed in Sacaba on November 15 when the State opened fire on a non-violent march, and 11 more were killed four days later in Senkata when soldiers fired on demonstrators. All those killed were indigenous civilians, with no casualties among police or military. ?
Press quotes (1)
"In November 2019, state forces carried out operations that killed at least 23 Bolivian civilians and injured over 230... On November 15, three days after the interim government took power, state forces opened fire on a nonviolent march passing through the town of Sacaba, killing at least 11 people and injuring at least 120 others. All of those killed and injured were indigenous civilians. No police or soldiers were killed or injured... Four days later, on November 19, soldiers fired on demonstrators and bystanders outside the Senkata gas plant in El Alto, killing at least 11 and injuring over 50. Again, all casualties were indigenous civilians, and no police or soldiers were shot."
Protesters criticize Paz's neoliberal policies, especially new laws to attract investments in hydrocarbons, energy and evaporitic resources, while accusing the government of intending to privatize state companies and increase basic service tariffs. The blockades, lasting for a month, have caused food shortages in urban centers and price increases, according to merchant reports. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Os manifestantes criticam Paz pelas suas condutas neoliberais, em especial, devido às novas leis anunciadas para atrair investimentos em setores como hidrocarbonetos, energia e recursos evaporíticos. Acusam, além disso, as pretensões de privatizar empresas estatais e aumentar a tarifa de serviços básicos."
Law allows state of emergency for 90 days with Legislative Assembly approval
Protests are led by 'Tupac Katari' Peasant Federation and Workers' Central of Bolivia (COB)
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (1)
Evo Morales is accused without evidence of financing mobilizations
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What are the specific constitutional limits for military use in internal security in Bolivia?
Why it's still unknown: The Bolivian Constitution establishes a framework for states of exception in article 139, but sources do not detail constitutional restrictions on Armed Forces deployment against civilians.
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What is the maximum permitted duration for state of emergency extensions?
Why it's still unknown: Law allows state of emergency for 90 days 'with possibility of extension', but sources do not specify how many times it can be renewed or maximum total duration.
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What budgetary resources and operational structures will be mobilized to implement the law?
Why it's still unknown: Law authorizes military use, but sources do not report costs, number of personnel involved, or specific operational procedures.
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Are there announced legal challenges against Law 1740?
Why it's still unknown: Sources do not report constitutional actions proposed or legal opinions questioning the constitutionality of military authorization.