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Witness History: The hunger-striking Bolivian president

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The hunger-striking Bolivian president

15/01/2024 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, The hunger-striking Bolivian president

In 1984, President Zuazo went on hunger strike, in an attempt to stabilise Bolivia

The president of Bolivia, Dr Hernán Siles Zuazo, went on hunger strike in 1984. He wanted to stop public unrest around the country and crack down on the cocaine trade.

In Bolivia, on 25 October 1984, President Hernán Siles Zuazo announced he was going on hunger strike. 

He was trying to stop the booming cocaine industry in his country. It was the second time he had taken the job of president and he had been on hunger strike several times before. 

His daughter Marcela Siles, tells Laura Jones about her father.

(Photo: President Zuazo. Credit: Getty Images)

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