Riot police clash with Indigenous protesters over constitution reform

A protest by the Indigenous Kolla people of Argentina’s Jujuy Province descended into clashes with the country’s riot police on Saturday, with rubber bullets and tear gas being used on the protesters. Several arrests were made, including a journalist and an elected regional legislator. The demonstration was in opposition to a provincial constitutional reform which prohibits, among other things, blocking roads during protests. As soon as the law was passed, road blockades were set up by protesters all over the province. The reform, say the protesters, will make it easier for Jujuy Governor Gerardo Morales to develop lithium mining operations in the area, which many Indigenous communities are opposed to.