This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-27152956
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Bolivia dismisses hundreds of protesting soldiers | Bolivia dismisses hundreds of protesting soldiers |
| (about 14 hours later) | |
| Bolivia's military chiefs have ordered the dismissal of more than 700 troops who have been protesting to demand better working conditions. | Bolivia's military chiefs have ordered the dismissal of more than 700 troops who have been protesting to demand better working conditions. |
| The army, navy and air force accused the men of committing acts of sedition and rebellion, and attacking the honour of the armed forces. | The army, navy and air force accused the men of committing acts of sedition and rebellion, and attacking the honour of the armed forces. |
| The soldiers say the military discriminates against indigenous Bolivians, a claim the military denies. | The soldiers say the military discriminates against indigenous Bolivians, a claim the military denies. |
| Protesters are calling for a meeting with President Evo Morales. | Protesters are calling for a meeting with President Evo Morales. |
| The protest began on Tuesday with 500 soldiers, but grew to about 1,000 on Thursday. | The protest began on Tuesday with 500 soldiers, but grew to about 1,000 on Thursday. |
| Non-commissioned officers and sergeants dressed in camouflage uniforms marched through the Bolivia's main city, La Paz, together with some of their wives and Aymara indigenous leaders who support their demands. | |
| The protesters are demanding reforms so that non-commissioned officers can study to become career officers. | The protesters are demanding reforms so that non-commissioned officers can study to become career officers. |
| They also want the release of four protest leaders who were dismissed on Monday and say they want more medical benefits on a par with officers. | They also want the release of four protest leaders who were dismissed on Monday and say they want more medical benefits on a par with officers. |
| "It cannot be that they dismiss our brothers for demanding their rights. We will expand the protest if they are not reinstituted," said indigenous leader Samuel Coarite. | "It cannot be that they dismiss our brothers for demanding their rights. We will expand the protest if they are not reinstituted," said indigenous leader Samuel Coarite. |
| On Wednesday, Defence Minister Ruben Saavedra said Bolivia's armed forces were changing and that in 2015 enlisted men and sergeants would be able to receive scholarships to study to become officers. | On Wednesday, Defence Minister Ruben Saavedra said Bolivia's armed forces were changing and that in 2015 enlisted men and sergeants would be able to receive scholarships to study to become officers. |
| President Morales, himself an Aymara, has so far not spoken publicly about the demonstrations. |