Bolivian Authorities Detain More Officers in Failed Coup Attempt
Bolivian officials reported on Friday the arrest of four additional military officers connected to Wednesday’s unsuccessful coup against President Luis Arce, bringing the total number of detainees to 21.
Details of the Arrests
Senior Cabinet member Eduardo del Castillo announced that the latest arrests include the driver of a tank that rammed the government headquarters’ doors and a former infantry captain who directed soldiers to seize Plaza Murillo.
“These individuals were responsible for damaging Bolivian heritage,” del Castillo stated.
Coup Leader and Allegations
The coup was led by Juan José Zúñiga, the former army commanding general. Zúñiga alleged, without evidence, that President Arce ordered the rebellion to boost his declining popularity amid economic troubles. President Arce vehemently denied these claims on Thursday night.
Political Rivalry
President Arce is currently competing with ex-President Evo Morales for control of the socialist party ahead of the upcoming presidential election. This political struggle has left many Bolivians confused about the events on Wednesday when tanks entered La Paz, and Arce confronted the mutineers, ordering Zúñiga to surrender.
Public and Legal Responses
Authorities noted that the detainees include a man suspected of gathering intelligence outside the presidential palace and an army sergeant accused of coordinating the coup through social media. Crowds gathered outside a La Paz jail, with some waiting to meet detained relatives and others rallying in support of the government.
Maria Tarifa, a lawyer representing some of the detained officers, refrained from sharing case details, saying, “They are awaiting justice that is concrete and as objective as possible.”
Zúñiga’s Detention
On Friday, Zúñiga was escorted through the jail in handcuffs, surrounded by police. His wife, holding a small bag of snacks, waited with downcast eyes.
As Bolivia deals with the aftermath of the coup attempt and the ongoing political rivalry, the situation remains tense.