Bolivian Kills Self at Congress - Los Angeles Times
Advertisement

Bolivian Kills Self at Congress

Share via
From Associated Press

An angry unemployed miner with dynamite strapped to his chest blew himself up in Bolivia’s Congress Tuesday, killing two police officers and wounding 10, authorities said.

La Paz Police Chief Guido Arandia said the suicide bomber -- protesting his unemployment and lack of pension -- was not near the congressional chambers.

The miner, whose name was not released, detonated at least five sticks of dynamite in his vest as congressional police tried to negotiate with him.

Advertisement

Police had evacuated Congress earlier in the day after receiving reports that disgruntled miners planned to force their way into the building.

A leader of the jobless miners, Miguel Zubieta, said the suicide was a consequence of thousands of miners and others being unable to claim their benefits after becoming unemployed.

Advertisement