Bolivian police mutiny over pay, other issues
From Claudia Dominguez, CNN
updated 4:56 PM EDT, Sun June 24, 2012
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Bolivian police demand higher pay, pensions
- Protests include burning of documents, rock throwing
- The government is in negotiations with the officers
(CNN) -- Talks continued Saturday in Bolivia, where a police mutiny over pay has included the storming of buildings and a hunger strike by officers' wives.
Bottom-rank officers across the country are demanding a substantial pay increase and a retirement pension equal to their current salaries.
They have a monthly base salary of $115 and want a jump to $287.
Other demands include the resignation of their commander.
The hunger strike, started by 60 spouses, began this week and was being held in La Paz and other cities.
Armed mutinied policemen stand on the roof of a police headquarters in La Paz, on June 23, 2012 during a police strike demanding a salary increase.
Protesters raided police intelligence offices, seizing computers and burning investigation documents on June 22, 2012. Protesters threw rocks while others burned papers, furniture and other items in the street
Police officers vandalize the police intelligence headquarters and burn documents in La Paz, on June 22, 2012. Bottom-rank officers across the country are demanding a substantial pay increase and a retirement pension equal to their current salaries.
Wives of police officers on strike march along the streets of La Paz, Bolivia. They're on a hunger strike, started by 60 spouses, which began this week in La Paz and other cities.
Soldiers of the presidential guard in riot gear custody the Palacio Quemado presidential house in La Paz, on June 22, 2012.
Police officers on strike protest in front of the Palacio Quemado presidential house in La Paz, on June 22, 2012. "The best way to continue working on these requirements is not by way of pressure or to seize and occupy public offices," said Carlos Romero, minister of government.
Striking Bolivian police officers struggle with members of the anti-riot brigade (UTOP) at the riot unit's headquarters in downtown La Paz on June 21, 2012.
Bolivian police mutiny over pay
Bolivian police mutiny over pay
Bolivian police mutiny over pay
Bolivian police mutiny over pay
Bolivian police mutiny over pay
Bolivian police mutiny over pay
Bolivian police mutiny over pay
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The tension rose Thursday when mutineers entered a building used by higher-level officers.
Friday, protesters raided police intelligence offices, seizing computers and burning investigation documents. Protesters threw rocks while others burned papers, furniture and other items in the street.
Government officials appealed for peaceful negotiations.
"The best way to continue working on these requirements is not by way of pressure or to seize and occupy public offices," said Carlos Romero, minister of government. "It's not by destroying of public property, by burning documents -- it's not the way."
Protesting police are in charge of controlling the massive demonstrations that occur frequently in La Paz.
Members of Bolivia's armed forces have taken over many of the tasks performed by police.
Ombudsman Rolando Villena raised concerns about citizen safety.
"We are concerned about the helplessness in which the population is in," he said. "The absence of protection by the police. We call upon both parties to seek a solution within the framework of dialogue."
Journalist Gloria Carrasco contributed to this report.
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