Highway protest

BOLIVIA: The stoush over a highway due to be built through an Indian reserve re-ignited this week after 2,000 Amazon Indians marched on the city of La Paz calling on the project to continue.

Bolivia’s first Indigenous President Evo Morales last year scrapped the controversial super highway after 2,000 Indigenous peoples marched for 600 km to the city.

The protestors were concerned the highway would lead to illegal logging as well as an influx of farmers.

But this month saw a 2000 plus counter protest by Indigenous supporters of the highway, who state that development is important for communities.

The highway had the potential to deeply damage the reputation of Mr Morales, who is known for being a strong supporter of Indigenous rights.