OTTAWA —The Green Party of Canada is alarmed by the rising levels of violence, detentions and deaths in Bolivia and supports calls for impartial investigations.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights have attributed the most recent deaths to the “disproportionate use of force” by the Bolivian army and police.

"We are very concerned that the new, self-proclaimed government in Bolivia is threatening Indigenous rights, " said Interim Leader Jo Ann Roberts. “It is urgent that free and fair elections take place within the constitutionally required 90-day period, and that the safety and security of MAS party representatives be guaranteed."

After President Evo Morales stepped down, the vice president and the leaders of the upper and lower chambers resigned under threat of violence. The opposition assumed power without the backing of a majority of legislators.

Paul Manly (MP, Nanaimo-Ladysmith) said, “There can be no legitimacy to a political process when more than half of the members of the legislature feel unsafe to show up and participate. We recognize the authority of the Bolivian Constitutional Tribunal but are concerned that their ruling to recognize the Añez government without quorum in the legislature may have been made under duress.”

"There is much at risk,” said Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands). “Under Evo Morales, huge strides were made in alleviating poverty and protecting human rights and the environment. The Government of Canada must not recognize Jeanine Añez as the interim government leader. Canada must use every diplomatic lever to ensure that authorities in Bolivia do not abuse their power.”

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Rosie Emery

Press Secretary

613-562-4916x206

rosie.emery@greenparty.ca