The Attorney General’s office in Bolivia has charged former Army General Commander Juan Jose Zuniga with terrorism and armed rebellion following an attempted coup against President Luis Arce on Wednesday, according to media reports.
An arrest warrant for Zuniga was issued after his detention in La Paz during an operation led by Deputy Interior Minister Jhonny Aguilera. Additionally, President Arce has reportedly appointed new military leaders.
The Interior Ministry reported that at least nine individuals were injured by gunfire during the coup attempt, as cited by local media.
In response, the Prosecutor’s Office for the Department of La Paz swiftly established a commission to thoroughly investigate the incident.
Jose Luis Tarquino, head of communications for the Attorney General’s Office, announced the commencement of a criminal investigation against Zuniga and others involved.
“In light of recent events in La Paz, the Attorney General has ordered all necessary legal actions for a criminal investigation against Gen. Juan Jose Zuniga and all other participants,” Tarquino stated, noting that an immigration alert has been issued to prevent Zuniga from fleeing the country.
In the midst of the tension, President Arce and his cabinet reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and order and denounced any destabilization attempts.
Accompanied by his cabinet and Vice President David Choquehuanca, Arce called on Bolivians to mobilize in defense of democracy and against the coup attempt.
Zuniga, dressed in a war uniform, led troops into Plaza Murillo and the old Government Palace. Emerging from an armored vehicle, he claimed the action was in response to alleged injustices against the Armed Forces.
“Enough of impoverishing our country, enough of humiliating the military. We are here to express our discontent,” Zuniga declared to journalists.
The incident occurred shortly after rumors spread that Zuniga was being removed from his position due to controversial political statements against former President Evo Morales.
The presence of armed troops has provoked strong reactions from citizens, who have started gathering around Plaza Murillo to protest the military action.
Social organizations across Bolivia have also demonstrated in defense of democracy, echoing the president’s call to protect the constitutional order.
