BTN News: The State Prosecutor’s Office continued with the hearing of 21 people arrested for their role in the coup attempt. Former President Evo Morales said it was a self-coup by President Luis Arce’s government. Morales said Arce lied to the Bolivian people and the world. He spoke at a meeting of the Federation of Traditional Coca-Growing Zones. Morales suggested this move was to improve Arce’s image or to give power to a military group, as reported by La Razón.
Morales Accuses the Government of Using the Coup to Cover Up Poor Management and Shortages
Morales claimed the self-coup was to hide the government’s poor performance. He pointed to the lack of dollars and fuel. The day before, he said he was the main target of the coup attempt.
This statement matched claims made by General Juan José Zúñiga. Zúñiga, a former army chief, led the coup and said it was planned with President Arce to regain support. President Arce strongly denied this.
Arrests of Military Leaders and Legal Proceedings Highlighted in the Coup Attempt
General Zúñiga, Vice Admiral Juan Arnez, and Alejandro Irahola were sent to Chonchocoro prison. They will be held for six months while being investigated for terrorism and armed uprising. They could face up to 20 years in prison.
During his transfer, Zúñiga shouted, “At some point, the truth will be known!” He also said, “the rest are innocent, there are innocents,” likely talking about the other 18 arrested, which included military and civilians.
Chonchocoro Prison and Its Role in Holding Political Figures
Chonchocoro is a maximum-security prison 50 minutes away from El Alto. Santa Cruz governor and opposition leader Luis Fernando Camacho has been held there for a year and a half. He is detained for his role in the 2019 political crisis that led to Morales’ resignation.
These events add complexity to Bolivia’s political situation. Accusations and counter-accusations continue to affect the country’s social and political climate. The next months will be crucial in uncovering the truth and its impact on Bolivia’s future.
