In a dramatic turn of events, Bolivia’s former top military leaders, General Juan Jose Zuniga and Vice Admiral Juan Arnez have been arrested for masterminding a coup attempt. Charged with terrorism and armed uprising, their plan to prevent former President Evo Morales from running in 2025 fell apart. Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo announced that 17 others are also in custody, with more arrests expected. Amidst rumors of a “self-coup” by President Arce, the government denies any involvement, urging citizens to avoid politicizing the crisis.
The investigation into yesterday’s coup attempt in Bolivia by former Army commander Gen. Juan José Zúñiga and former Naval leader Vice Admiral Juan Arnez continues. Interior Minister Eduardo Del Castillo confirmed last night and today that the two military leaders had been arrested and would face charges of terrorism and “armed uprising against the security and sovereignty of the state.” Other charges may be added, but both will face lengthy jail sentences. Furthermore, Del Castillo said that another 17 people, mostly military personnel, had been arrested and that investigations into many more were ongoing. The arrestees were named, but it was evident that General Zúñiga was in charge of “preparation and planning” for the operation. The insurrection began in May.
Zúñiga’s men did not reflect the full army, which was divided. He also did not have the broad backing of the population that he had hoped for. Zúñiga’s demands include preventing former President Evo Morales from running for President in the 2025 elections, releasing political prisoners, removing “elites” who only benefit a few, and forming a new cabinet.
What are “political prisoners”? He picked Jeanine Áñez, who was appointed as President after Evo Morales was deposed in a November 2019 coup. She is now serving a ten-year jail sentence for her role in the operation. He also mentioned the imprisoned fascist, Santa Cruz Governor Fernando Camacho, who was a key organizer of the 2019 attempt, as well as a longtime ally of the US State Department and the Project Democracy apparatus, which planned the coup. He attempted to unite resistance against Arce, who had similar backgrounds as Áñez and Camacho.
Del Castillo disclosed that not only Zúñiga and Áñez “planned and conspired” to carry out the coup, but many others would be examined and charged with “armed insurrection, assault on the presidency, and destruction of private and public goods,” among other things. During a press conference on June 26, the cabinet urged Bolivians to avoid politicizing the coup event. There are rumors that Arce staged a “self-coup” with Zúñiga to boost his popularity, which the government has denied.
Recently, GreatGameIndia reported that, in a dramatic turn of events, Bolivia’s recently dismissed Army commander, General Juan José Zúñiga, threatened to overthrow President Luis Arce, demanding a new cabinet and the release of political prisoners.
