Bolivian Union Leader David Quispe Charged Over 50-Day Blockades

David Quispe Machaca, a senior figure in the Confederación Sindical Única de Trabajadores Campesinos de Bolivia (CSUTCB), was detained on 17 July 2026 in El Alto after more than 50 consecutive days of road blockades that disrupted food, medicine and transport supplies across La Paz and other regions.

The Bolivian prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation charging Quispe with terrorism, alleged financing of terrorism, public incitement to commit crimes, association of criminals, and attacks on the safety of transport and public services. His defense, led by lawyer Rodrigo Gutiérrez, says the process is unjust, rejects claims that Quispe called for violence, and announced that Quispe will give a statement to refute the allegations rather than remain silent.

Quispe is being held in a special anti‑crime unit while awaiting a precautionary measures hearing. The case is seen as a test of how the government will address large‑scale protests and the criminalization of dissent.