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Bolivian police arrest failed coup leader

2024-06-27 08:27:00, Kosova & Bota CNA
Bolivian police arrest failed coup leader
Illustrative photo

Bolivia's Armed Forces withdrew from the presidential palace in La Paz on Wednesday evening and police arrested the general at the helm of a failed coup.

During the day on Wednesday, military units, led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, had gathered in the central Plaza Murillo square, where the presidential palace and Congress are located.

Bolivian President Luis Arce condemned the coup attempt and appealed to the people for support.

"Today, the country is facing a coup attempt. We call on the Bolivian people to gather today. We need the Bolivian people to organize and mobilize against the coup and in favor of democracy," said President Luis Arce from the presidential palace.

Later, the soldiers, along with a line of military vehicles, withdrew from the square, ending the rebellion after just three hours.

Hundreds of Arce's supporters then gathered in the square near the palace, waving Bolivian flags, singing the national anthem and cheering.

After the army withdrew, the police arrested General Juan Jose Zuniga, after the attorney general launched an investigation.

Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo said that in addition to Zunigas, former Navy Vice Admiral Juan Arnez Salvador was also arrested.

"What was the purpose of this group? The aim was to overthrow the democratically elected authorities," Del Castillo told reporters after the arrests.

Later on Wednesday, Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo said that "everything is under control now."

Surrounded by new army chiefs, appointed by Arce, Novillo emphasized that Bolivia experienced a "failed coup".

The coup attempt comes at a time when the country is grappling with tensions and political infighting between Arce and his one-time ally, the leftist former president Evo Morales, over who should control the ruling party. Bolivia is also facing a major economic crisis.

Their disagreements have made the Government unable to fight the economic crisis. For example, Morales' allies in Congress have repeatedly prevented Arce from borrowing to fight the crisis.

Arce and Morales have been fighting for the future of the Movement for Socialism of Bolivia, known as MAS, before the 2025 elections./ Rel





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