Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Oruro (Agenzia Fides) – “Events in Uncia are deplorable, such crimes must never be repeated, the lynching seen in various parts, mainly in rural areas and poor districts, must not be allowed to happen again”: these words were part of a statement, a copy of which was sent to Fides, issued by Bishop Krzysztof Bialasik of the Bolivian diocese of Oruro, who denounced terrifying events in Uncia, where 4 policemen were tortured and killed in the small village of Saca Saca. The Communications Office of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bolivia says government authorities are still investigating the case but for certain lives were lost and more names must be added to the long list of people suffering the consequences of this sort of violence carried out in the name of what is termed "community justice".
In this sense, Bishop Bialasik said “No government or society can accept such acts. Steps must be taken to prevent similar things from happening so as to avoid more grieving for Bolivian families.” According to the media, tension is still high, the local people refuse to allow government officials to enter the village to investigate, and want to stage a march to La Paz to present their demands. Bolivian police chief, General Oscar Nina, said “they have no reason to stop members of the police and local authorities from entering, the law has the right to inspect the area” adding that he is determined to identify those responsible for the murder of the four policemen. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 15/06/2010)
