Peace.-Bolivia was the scene of one of the most disturbing episodes in its recent history, when a group of military officers planned a coup d’état to overthrow the democratically elected government.
Eduardo Del Castillo, Minister of Government, revealed in a television interview that the subversion had been carefully planned for three weeks. Del Castillo said that the action left 12 people wounded by firearms and led to the arrest of a dozen soldiers.
Del Castillo stressed that although the government had received information about previous attempts at destabilization and “soft coups,” none had reached the magnitude of the events that occurred that Wednesday. “No Bolivian could have imagined the magnitude of what happened on Wednesday afternoon,” he said.
Meanwhile, it was announced that former Army and Navy commanders Juan José Zúñiga Macías and Juan Arnez Salvador, respectively, will be brought to justice for crimes of terrorism and armed uprisings against the security and sovereignty of the State.
“Before noon we will hold a press conference to reveal the identity of the other participants in this attempt to destroy democracy,” the minister said. He also warned that those responsible face charges that could carry prison sentences of between 15 and 30 years.
Juan José Zúñiga Macías, a former Army commander, has been singled out as one of the main authors of the plan. However, he denies the accusations and has claimed that he acted under the instructions of President Luis Arce. “Zúñiga lacks veracity in his statements,” Del Castillo responded sharply, clarifying that Zúñiga had already been informed of his dismissal from office for violating the Constitution during a meeting the previous night with President Arce and the Minister of the Presidency, María Nela Prada.
The minister declared that Zúñiga’s conduct represented a serious infraction, since “a military officer cannot deliberate on politics, cannot deliberate on issues within the national territory. Military officers are there to follow instructions.” He added that his ministry will be the accusing party in the legal proceedings against Zúñiga, Arnez and the other defendants.
The preliminary hearings will focus on determining the scope of the conspiracy and the specific roles of those arrested. Del Castillo emphasized the severity of the charges the conspirators will face: “They will face charges for crimes that could bring them between 15 and 30 years in prison.”
The attack on Bolivia’s democratic stability occurred in an already tense context, with warnings of attempts at destabilization. The rapid reaction of the government and security forces prevented further damage, although the impact of the event has generated a climate of uncertainty and concern among Bolivians.
This coup attempt highlights the fragility of democracy in the region and underlines the importance of maintaining constant vigilance over the armed forces and their possible deviations from what is established by the Constitution. The announced press conference, which will reveal more details about those involved, is awaited with high expectations by both citizens and the international community.Infobae.
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2024-07-02 22:56:55