Bolivian Authorities ArrestFormer Military Commander and Other Suspects for Alleged Involvement in Failed Coup Attempt

On Friday, former Bolivian Air Force commander Marcelo Javier Zegarra was arrested for his alleged involvement in the failed coup attempt in the country. Despite earlier praise from President Luis Arce for not giving in to the attempt, Zegarra was later apprehended alongside General Juan José Zúñiga, bringing the total number of arrests related to the coup attempt to 21.

During a press conference on Thursday night, President Arce recounted a tense moment with General Zúñiga and Zegarra, where he rebuked them for their actions. However, he later thanked Zegarra for his reflection on the situation. Zegarra had voluntarily submitted himself for questioning and was arrested after providing his statement.

The Bolivian government has also arrested other military personnel accused of participating in the coup attempt, including retired soldiers allegedly involved in the plot. The government reported that key figures involved in the attempt had communicated using a cellphone application, FaceTime.

In addition to military personnel, civilians involved in the coup attempt have also been arrested, including Aníbal Aguilar Gómez, described as the “ideologist” of the failed coup. Seven others have also been detained in connection with the events.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office is seeking additional suspects related to the coup attempt and ongoing investigations are continuing. The government has confirmed that it will not tolerate any attempts to undermine democratic institutions or threaten national security.