LA PAZ, Bolivia — Amid a political crisis that has consumed the country for more than two months, the Bolivian police have stepped up their presence around the Mexican embassy, which has given refuge to allies of the country’s former president, Evo Morales. The Mexican government said the operation was “clearly meant to intimidate” people at the embassy, and that it represented a “siege” against individuals seeking protection under international law. Roberto Velasco, a spokesman for Mexico’s foreign ministry, said about 70 Bolivian police officers were posted in the vicinity of the embassy on Tuesday, more than doubling the typical police presence in the area. He also said the officers had been recording embassy employees and attempting to search their vehicles. The former Bolivian government officials who have sought refuge at the embassy include Mr. Morales’s chief of staff and his former ministers of defense, justice and culture, among others, according to Mr. Velasco.

Source: International New York Times December 24, 2019 22:52 UTC