Evo Morales expresses solidarity with Bolivia after coup attempt

He said on his personal page on the social networking site X: “We are convinced that democracy is the only way to resolve any dispute and that institutions and the rule of law must be respected.”

The indigenous leader reiterated the call for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in these riots.

Evo Morales had previously indicated that after the attempted coup against the legitimate government in Bolivia, in addition to the change of the senior military leadership, a criminal process must be initiated immediately with the dismissal of General Juan José Zuniga, the army commander. And his accomplices in accordance with the political constitution of the state and the Basic Law of the Armed Forces.

On this day, Zuniga and a group of soldiers attempted to carry out a coup against the government of Luis Arce.

The head of state confronted him and ordered him to demobilize the rebels and soon after appointed new military commanders at Casa Grande del Pueblo to the shouts of hundreds of people who had gathered to support him at the Government House.

As the new Commander-in-Chief of the Army, he appointed Major General José Wilson, who in his first public intervention ordered all soldiers back to the barracks.

He said in a statement that Zuniga was arrested and the Public Prosecutor’s Office was ordered to initiate legal proceedings to initiate a criminal investigation against the general and all other participants in the events that occurred that day that constitute criminal offences.

jha/otf