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(CNN Spanish) - After clashes between protesters and security forces in the city of Cochabamba, which left eight people dead, as confirmed by CNN Nelson Cox, the Ombudsman of that city, the UN High Commissioner for Rights Humans Michelle Bachelet expressed concern about the situation of violence in Bolivia, which she says is "divided."
In a statement, Bachelet says it has information on at least 17 people who have died in the context of the protests, but specifies that “while the first deaths occurred as a result of violent clashes between rival protesters, the most recent seem to derive from a unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by police or military personnel. ”
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He added that he really "worries that the situation in Bolivia may get out of control if the authorities do not handle it carefully," which is why, through this message, the high commissioner asks the security forces to comply with the rules and international standards regarding the use of force, in addition to ensuring the right to life and physical integrity of the people involved in the protest.
"In a situation like this, repressive actions by the authorities will simply fuel that anger more, and can endanger any possible dialogue path," Bachelet said.
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As stated in the statement, more than 600 people have been detained in Bolivia since October 21. In Cochabamba alone, after the clashes on November 15, more than 120 people were arrested, according to the Ombudsman.
The interim president of Bolivia, Jeanine Áñez, nor the government she leads have officially reacted to the Bachelet statement.
Michelle Bachelet