Bolivia Road Blockades: Journalists Intimidated Amidst Cochabamba Protests

Cochabamba Road Blockades Cause Disruption, Journalists Intimidated Cochabamba, Bolivia – On June 2nd, 2025, members of the EVISTAS group blocked several key roads in Cochabamba, Bolivia, causing significant disruption to traffic and daily life. The blockades, which included the main highway to the west, involved the placement of rocks and earth to impede passage. At least four points of blockage were reported at the Valle Alto crossing. The situation escalated in the evening when journalists covering the event were intimidated with firecrackers and other forms of harassment. Despite this, they continued to report on the unfolding events. One resident, interviewed near the blockade, stated, "It's very bad. It harms people; we can't move around normally." A news anchor from Red Uno, Diego Viamont, added context to the situation, explaining that police patrols were present, but no intervention occurred. While a leader of the EVISTAS group, Nelson Virreira, attempted to justify the aggression, many community members expressed their frustration and anger at the disruption caused by the blockades. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in the region.