Bolivian protest leader arrives in La Paz to pressure Morales

SUMMARY

A Bolivian protest leader who has become a symbol of opposition to President Evo Morales arrived on Wednesday in the nation's capital, La Paz, where he plans to formally demand the leftist leader step down after a contentious election last month. Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz, was whisked away in a convoy from the city's main airport in nearby El Alto in the midst of a huge security presence and with rival protest groups massing outside. The gambit, after he was blocked from leaving the airport on Tuesday, has sparked a fierce backlash from government supporters, while seemingly helping rally a split opposition.

By ReutersNov 7, 2019 10:15:52 AM IST (Published)

Protesters against Bolivian President Evo Morales demonstrate in La Paz, Bolivia. Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz, has become a symbol of opposition to President Evo Morales arrived on Wednesday in the nation's capital, La Paz, where he plans to formally demand the leftist leader step down after a contentious election last month. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

A demonstrator wears a face mask that reads "Bolivia said no" during a protest in La Paz. Luis Fernando Camacho was whisked away in a convoy from the city's main airport in nearby El Alto in the midst of a huge security presence and with rival protest groups massing outside. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Demonstrators display a banner against Bolivia's President Evo Morales during a protest in La Paz. The gambit, after he was blocked from leaving the airport on Tuesday, has sparked a fierce backlash from government supporters, while seemingly helping rally a split opposition. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

A demonstrator holds a placard with a cartoon depicting Bolivian President Evo Morales with a prohibited sign over it during a protest in La Paz. Camacho plans to march to the presidential palace to deliver a pre-written letter of resignation for Morales to sign. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Supporters of Bolivia's President Evo Morales clash with Morales' opponents, in La Paz. Hostilities have ramped up since Tuesday night in La Paz and Cochabamba, with clashes between Morales supporters and the opposition. REUTERS/Manuel Claure

Supporters of Bolivia's President Evo Morales react during clashes with Morales' opponents, in La Paz. Morales, a socialist leader who has been in power since 2006, has defended his election win and said that the opposition is trying to lead a "coup" against him and that his rivals were inciting violence. REUTERS/Manuel Claure

Riot police take up positions facing demonstrators holding improvised barricades, during clashes between supporters and opponents of Bolivia's President Evo Morales in La Paz. The new attempt is likely to fan tensions following weeks of protests and strikes since the October 20 vote. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Riot police are seen as protesters demonstrate against Bolivian President Evo Morales in La Paz. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach