Fist fight in Bolivian Congress

A fight has erupted between rival politicians in Bolivia's lower house, with fists and water jugs thrown in anger.

A long-simmering fight for control of the Andean country's judicial branch boiled over when opposition leaders seized the dais in La Paz.

But they failed in their efforts to stop pro-government legislators from bringing charges of improper conduct against the country's highest court for suspending four of President Evo Morales judicial appointees.

Both sides stood on tables and yelled at the other before flinging cups of water and throwing punches.

The feud first began when Mr Morales appointed four magistrate judges during a congressional recess in December.

Opposition leaders complained to Bolivia's Constitutional Tribunal, which ruled in May that the judges could serve only 90 days unless confirmed by Congress and ordered them temporarily suspended.

Politicians approved their appointments last month, but Morales has continued to press the issue, arguing the tribunal did not have the authority to suspend the magistrates.

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