Protests spark clashes in Bolivia [View All]

[T_i_B]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6184937.stm

At least 20 people have been injured in clashes between government and opposition supporters in Bolivia's second city, Santa Cruz. Violence broke out when pro-government supporters set up roadblocks to prevent opposition supporters from attending mass rallies.

Opposition supporters are calling for increased regional autonomy and are opposed to constitutional changes.

A spokesman for Bolivian President Evo Morales said the clashes came as his opponents fought indigenous Aymaras at a rail crossing some 25 miles (40km) from Santa Cruz.

But the governor of the province said that people on their way to a series of demonstrations were set upon by Mr Morales' supporters.