Argentina human‑rights mission detained in Bolivia

A delegation of Argentine human‑rights activists arrived in Bolivia on 15 June 2026, aiming to monitor the prolonged blockades that have shut down roads around La Paz and El Alto for 46 days and to document alleged violations of civil liberties. The group, comprising representatives of organisations such as Madres de Plaza de Mayo, SERPAJ, the Central de Profesionales por los Derechos Humanos and several Argentine legislators, was intercepted at the La Paz International Airport. Although they had completed migration formalities in Santa Cruz, Bolivian authorities said they failed to meet legal entry requirements and ordered the mission’s return to Santa Cruz, where they remained on the aircraft. Bolivia’s government, led by President Rodrigo Paz, characterised the mission as an intrusion and indicated plans for deportation, while Argentine officials, including Union‑for‑the‑Patria lawmakers Germán Martínez and Paula Penacca, demanded the immediate release of the detained deputy Juan Marino and diplomatic intervention. The incident heightens tension between the two neighbours amid the ongoing social crisis in Bolivia.