Calling for an "End to Violence," Bernie Sanders Becomes First 2020 Democratic Presidential Contender to Criticize Bolivian Coup by Eoin Higgins!
(2019-11-12 at 14:02:39 )

Calling for an "End to Violence," Bernie Sanders Becomes First 2020 Democratic Presidential Contender to Criticize Bolivian Coup by Eoin Higgins

Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday became the first 2020 Democratic presidential candidate to speak out against Sundays military coup in Bolivia which saw that countrys President Evo Morales forced to resign before going into hiding.

"I am very concerned about what appears to be a coup in Bolivia, where the military, after weeks of political unrest, intervened to remove President Evo Morales," Mr. Sanders tweeted. "The United States must call for an end to violence and support Bolivias democratic institutions."

The Vermont senators comments came after a day of mounting pressure to speak out from his left-wing grassroots movement. Earlier Monday, as Common Dreams reported, Mr. Sanders supporter Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) condemned the coup in no uncertain terms.

"The people of Bolivia deserve free, fair, and peaceful elections," said Ms Ocasio-Cortez, "not violent seizures of power."

Mr. Sanders expression of support for Mr. Morales was welcomed by supporters.

"By far the biggest difference between Bernie and the rest of the Democratic candidates is how well versed he is in and how much he cares about the type of international left issues that, say, The Nation writes a lot about," said reporter Matthew Zeitlin.

Earlier Monday, Mr. Sanders released a new plan to help veterans; held a town hall with veterans in Des Moines, Iowa; and published at Jewish Currents an essay on combatting anti-Semitism.

Reprinted here from "Common Dreams" has been providing breaking news & views for the progressive community since 1997. We are independent, non-profit, advertising-free and 100% reader supported.