Authorities in Bolivia arrested the ringleader behind a failed coup attempt, following the seizure of the presidential palace in La Paz by military personnel on Thursday (June 27).
Armoured vehicles and troops had taken up position on Murillo Square where key government buildings are located. They all later withdrew.
General Juan José Zúñiga, who led the recent military incursion, claimed he aimed to restructure democracy. Despite initially acknowledging President Luis Arce, Zúñiga hinted at a government shift.
President Luis Arce condemned the coup attempt, calling on the public to “organise and mobilise… in favour of democracy”.
“We cannot allow once again coup attempts to take Bolivian lives,” he said in a televised message to the country.
Following the failed coup attempt, President Arce wasted no time in consolidating control. New military commanders were swiftly appointed, confirming reports of General Zúñiga’s dismissal.
Zúñiga’s prior criticism of former president Evo Morales had reportedly played a role in his removal.
Morales also condemned the coup attempt and called for criminal charges to be brought against Gen Zúñiga and his “accomplices”.
The public prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal investigation.
Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo said, along with Juan José Zúñiga, former navy Vice Adm. Juan Arnez Salvador was taken into custody. Both men were dismissed by President Luis Arce and replaced after the uprising began.
“What was this group’s goal? The goal was to overturn the democratically elected authority,” del Castillo told the media persons.
“Gen. Zúñiga wanted to take power,” he added.
Prior to his arrest, General Zúñiga addressed reporters in the main square surrounded by soldiers. He framed his actions as a restoration of democracy, citing the country’s economic struggles. However, his attempt to seize power was ultimately unsuccessful.
“The people have no future, and the army has the courage to look out for the future of our children, the well-being and progress of our people,” he said adding that they were “going to free all political prisoners” including Bolivia’s former President Jeanine Anez, currently imprisoned for what the courts said was her role in deadly protests that erupted after her ascension to power in 2019.
Source: wionnews
