Rioters in Paraguay set fire to the country’s parliament Friday night amid violent protests that rocked the South American country through the evening hours.
The riots were in response to the parliament passing a bill that would lift presidential term limits, as the country’s citizens feared a return to the country’s prior dictatorship.
The U.S. embassy in the country had not posted any advisories or warnings for American citizens in the country, or on its social media accounts, nor had the State Department issue a travel warning or alert at press time on Saturday.
Nevertheless, other countries like the U.K. were advising their citizens to avoid the area of the riots near the parliament in the nation’s capital of Asuncion. “#Paraguay ongoing violent protests in central Asuncion. Avoid the area and follow advice of the local authorities,” the British embassy retweeted from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Saturday.
So far, one activist has been killed, according to reports. It is unconfirmed if it was the result of rubber bullets as opposition political parties have claimed.
Under the country’s 1992 constitution, which was established after years of dictator rule, the president may not serve more than one five-year term in office. President Horacio Cartes, the country’s current head of state, wants to end the term limit and run for re-election.
Throughout the night into Saturday morning news reports showed the country’s capital, Asuncion, under siege, with photos showing the windows of its congress building smashed and rioters setting fire to the inside.
