Former Air Power commander Marcelo Zegarra is escorted by police in handcuffs in La Paz, Bolivia, on June 28, 2024. | Picture credit score: AP
Bolivian authorities introduced on June 28 that that they had arrested 4 extra navy officers in reference to Wednesday’s thwarted coup try in opposition to the federal government of President Luis Arce, elevating to 21 the variety of detainees allegedly linked to the tried mutiny of a insurgent normal.
At a information convention, senior Cupboard member Eduardo del Castillo stated these arrested included the motive force of a tank that repeatedly crashed into the gates of the federal government headquarters and a former infantry captain accused of giving orders to troopers who took over the capital’s central Plaza Murillo.
“These individuals ordered the destruction of Bolivian heritage,” del Castillo stated.
A ‘self-coup’?
The coup try was led by Juan José Zúñiga, who till his public dismissal and arrest on Wednesday was the military’s normal commander. Zúñiga has alleged, with out offering proof, that Arce ordered him to hold out the rebel as a ruse to spice up his flagging reputation as he struggles to handle a spiraling financial system and simmering public discontent.
Arce strongly denied accusations that he had carried out a “self-coup” to achieve political help.
The embattled president is vying for management of his ruling socialist celebration with highly effective former president Evo Morales forward of presidential elections subsequent 12 months.
The political dispute has left Bolivians disillusioned and bewildered by what occurred throughout these chaotic three hours on Wednesday when tanks rolled into central La Paz and Arce confronted the coup plotters nose to nose and ordered Zúñiga to face down.
Authorities say the 21 detained embrace a person suspected of conducting intelligence work exterior the presidential palace whereas the coup was going down and a military sergeant who allegedly coordinated the coup utilizing FaceTime and different social media apps.
Crowds gathered exterior the cells of a La Paz jail, with one group ready to satisfy their family members detained inside and one other demonstrating in help of the federal government, setting off fireworks and calling for Zúñiga to be punished.
María Tarifa, one of many legal professionals for the imprisoned generals, declined to share particulars of the case. “They’re hoping to acquire justice that’s as concrete and goal as potential,” she stated of the detainee’s household.
On Friday morning, Mr. Zúñiga was led by the jail in handcuffs and surrounded by police. His spouse sat along with her eyes downcast, holding a small bag of sandwiches as she waited for the overall to come back out.
