International

Evo Morales reinforces his security in the Tropic with foreigners and hopes that more will arrive

The former president of Bolivia Evo Morales (2006 – 2019) will strengthen his security in the Tropic of Cochabamba, his political and union stronghold, with the presence of young foreigners who formed the International Committee on Defense and Solidarity with the former president, two of its leaders reported this Sunday.

“We are going to have vigil activities in defense of Evo Morales (…) We came to Lauca Ñ and here we are going to be with several activities but also in (the central city of) Cochabamba where we will give talks from the committee,” said the university student of Argentina María Macedo, interviewed on the Kawsachun Coca radio, related to Morales.

Macedo together with the Chilean Felipe Barriga arrived at the town of Lauca Ñ, where the former president has been protected by hundreds of coca growers and peasants since November 2024.

The student emphasized that she and her partner arrived in Bolivia “on their own free will” and that they will follow Morales out of “conviction and loyalty.”

“I was surprised (the news of) that there was a committee of defense and solidarity with Evo, at first I didn’t believe so much, time goes by, it was confirmed and I am totally convinced that we have some brothers and sisters outside Bolivia who support our policy,” Morales said.

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The former governor ceased to be the president of the official Movement to Socialism (MAS) in November 2024, after the judicial and electoral bodies validated a congress held in May 2024 by the ‘arcista’ faction, as the followers of President Luis Arce are known, who elected as the new leader of the party the peasant leader Grover García, related to the Government.

Despite these resolutions, Morales announced that he will go to the general elections in August as a “single candidate” united with the Front for Victory (FPV) party, after resigning from the MAS after 30 years of leadership.

Macedo indicated that some delegations of foreign students and social movements will arrive in the coming weeks from Mexico, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru and Chile to support the former president.

“We will continue here until the elections are held and until our leader assumes the Presidency,” said the student of the Federal University of Latin American Integration.

Macedo indicated that the committee he represents is against the “political persecution” that Morales “suffers”, so they will accompany him in Lauca Ñ and will organize themselves in the city of Cochabamba.

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The Bolivian Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the former president for aggravated human trafficking, in which he is accused of having had a relationship with a minor with whom he would have had a child in 2016 in the southern region of Tarija, when he held the Presidency.

In October, the arrest warrant was issued against Morales, which was ratified in February of this year, however the Police has not yet executed it.

The Justice also issued the declaration of rebellion against the former governor, for not appearing to two precautionary hearings before a court, forbade him to leave the country, ordered the preventive annotation of his assets and the freezing of his bank accounts.

Morales’ followers carry out permanent vigils in all the populations of the Tropic of Cochabamba, they announced that they will dig wells to prevent the landing of planes or helicopters in the area and in recent days they were seen armed with sticks and stones in different populations.

The judicial process aggravates the relationship between Morales and President Luis Arce, distanced since the end of 2021 due to differences in the administration of the State and the control of the MAS.

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International

Oil prices surge again as Middle East tensions persist

Oil prices climbed again on Friday for a second consecutive session, as markets remained concerned about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East with no tangible diplomatic progress.

North Sea Brent crude for May delivery rose 4.22% to close at $112.57 per barrel.

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) approached the $100 mark, settling at $99.64, up 5.46%.

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay by ten days his ultimatum for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz failed to reassure market participants.

“It means there will be ten additional days of disruptions in the Middle East for crude and refined product flows,” said Andy Lipow, of Lipow Oil Associates.

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“For prices to come down, a resolution to the conflict is necessary,” Lipow added. “And even in the event of a ceasefire, it is not certain that Iran would allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”

International

Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate

A 25-year-old Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, received euthanasia on Thursday following a prolonged legal dispute with her father.

She passed away at a care center in Sant Pere de Ribes, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where she had been living for some time, according to Spanish media reports.

In an interview broadcast a day earlier on Antena 3, Castillo expressed her exhaustion after enduring prolonged suffering. She indicated that her decision was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances and health-related challenges, including family conflicts and a condition of paraplegia following a previous incident that left her with lasting physical consequences.

Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, becoming one of the few countries that allow patients under strict conditions to seek medical assistance to end their lives in order to avoid what the law defines as unbearable suffering.

The case has reignited debate in Spain over the ethical, legal, and family dimensions surrounding euthanasia, as well as the broader issue of support for individuals in vulnerable situations.

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International

Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says

More than 300 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the United States Central Command confirmed on Friday.

“Since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded. The vast majority of these injuries are minor, and 273 troops have already returned to duty,” said U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, indicated that 10 American troops remain seriously injured.

According to the latest figures, an additional 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, including seven in the Gulf region and six in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned on Friday that hotels hosting U.S. troops in the region could be considered legitimate military targets.

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“When U.S. forces enter a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” said armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi in remarks broadcast on state television.