Disabled vigil incidental deaths
Background:
In March through April of 2016, a caravan of disabled people traveled from Cochabamba to La Paz demanding a monthly bonus of 500 bolivianos and greater recognition and resources from the government. Vigils and protests were held across the country with the major protests centering in La Paz, the seat of the government. During these protests and marches, 4 individuals died as a result of varying health issues and accidents.
Much of Bolivia’s disabled population live in poverty, with many arguing current government resources and funds not covering basic necessities. At the time, severely disabled individuals were eligible to receive a bonus of 1,000 bolivianos (Bs) annually from the government, about 2.75Bs a day (La Razón 2016).
On March 21, 2016, over 150 disabled persons and their families started their march from Cochabamba to La Paz, traveling on foot, crutches, and wheelchairs, in attempt to gain greater resources from the government and the 500 monthly bonus (Agencia de Noticias Fides, n.d., 2016). A month later, the caravan arrived in La Paz, where protestors remained for 3 months. Many protestors established themselves in Plaza Murillo where the Presidential Palace, National Congress of Bolivia, and Cathedral of La Paz reside. Protestors and police clashed throughout these month long vigils and protests. Throughout April and May, chemical agents and water cannons were used against protestors who in turn through rocks and other objects at police (Diario Las Américanos 2016).
The government refused to consider this protestors 500Bs increase, with Bolivian Minister of Interior Carlos Romero noting the governments willingness to engage in dialogue with protesotrs but the infeasibly on this monthly bonus (Diario Las Américanos 2016). If insituted, this increase in funds would grow the sectors budget from US $3.2 million to US$52.9 million (BBC News 2016). Despite the government’s staunch stance, protestors refused to accept an alternative to this voucher.
Account:
The first victim of the movement was Apolonio Gonzales, a disabled person participating in a vigil in the city of La Paz. On Sunday, April 3, he went to the Hospital de Clinicas complaining of severe back and lung pain, where he was reportedly not examined and sent home with painkillers. On Monday, April 4, he passed away. Members of the disabled movement point to healthcare negligence for his death (La Razón 2016). Following his death, a vigil was held in Cochabamba in his honor (Los Tiempos 2016).
The second victim of the movement was Manuel Roca Charimo (31), a deaf, disabeled person participating in a vigil in Beni. He passed away on April 11, likely succumbing from health issues related to his recent lupus diagnosis the week prior (Agencia de Noticias Fides, n.d.).
The third and fourth victim, Angelica Peñaloza (50) and Joaquín Quiroz (38) both died on June 9 after being hit by a drunk driver. Protestors had established a blockade on Blanco Galindo Avenue in Cochabamba. At 1:50am on June 9, Carla Fabiana Aizama Arias (21) while driving drunk, drove through the blockade killing Peñaloza and Quiroz and injuring 4 others. Peñaloza died on scene and Quiroz died while in transport to hospital (Pagina Siete 2016). Peñaloza was burried Saturday, June 11 and Quiroz was buried June 10 following a wake in their honor (Los Tiempos 2016).
The Dead:
Apolonio Gonzales, 53 year old deaf and disabled man died as a result of health issue on Monday, April 4, in La Paz.
Manuel Roca Charimo, a 31 year old man died as a result of health issues on April 11 in Beni.
Angelica Peñaloza, a 50 year old woman died after being hit by a car on June 9 in Cochabamba.
Joaquín Quiroz, a 38 year old man died after being hit by a car on June 9 in Cochabamba.
The Aftermath:
In May, leadership of influential disabled organizations and the government reached a 42 point agreement, addressing various aspects of health, education, and employment but notably excluded any reference to the 500Bs bonus the movement centered around. Protestors in La Paz refused to recognize the 42 point agreement as satisfactory, continuing protest through July (BBC News 2016). In July, protestors returned home having largely failed in goal of increasing the governments support and resources for disabled individuals through policy and resources (Diario Las Américanos 2016).
In September of 2016, the United nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities issued a report to the Bolivian government with recommendation on how to address and improve the state of disabled people in the country as well as questioning the repressive tactics used during these month long protests (Agencia de Noticias Fides 2018). One year following the onset of these protests, the government instructed the country’s municipal governments to provide monthly bonuses of 250Bs to disabled individuals. While this was not the initial 500Bs asked for, regardless it was a large stride in the disabled movement in Boliva (Cooperación Española, n.d.).
Legal Action:
Following the death of Angelica and Joaquin, on June 11, Carla Fabiana, was charged with homicide and serious injury in a traffic accident aggravated by drunk driving. Formal charges were filed by the prosecution and she was sentenced to prison by Judge Armando Navia in June (El Potosí 2016)