Tax protests turn violent

La Paz, Bolivia

Thousands of striking police officers and civilian protesters rioted in La Paz last week to protest a proposed income tax. Mobs set a dozen government buildings on fire. At least 22 people were killed in clashes with soldiers. “I’ve never seen such a bloody day,” said Eduardo Chavez, a hospital director. President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada escaped from the besieged presidential palace in an ambulance as crowds shouted, “Resign or die!” Sanchez de Lozada withdrew his tax proposal and begged for calm. “God save Bolivia,” he said.