Bolivian authorities transferred General Juan José Zuñiga on Saturday to the maximum security El Abra prison in Cochabamba as part of an ongoing investigation into his alleged leadership of a failed coup attempt against President Luis Arce’s government. According to the Director of the Penitentiary System, Juan Carlos Limpias, this decision was made after prisoners at Chonchocoro, where Zuñiga was initially detained, reportedly targeted him for violence.
The detention and transfer of Zuñiga come as he faces serious charges of terrorism and armed insurrection. The Fifth Anti-Corruption Court ruled on Friday that Zuñiga, alongside Juan Arnez, former Navy commander, and Edison Irahola, former commander of the Army’s Mechanized Brigade, would be remanded to prison for six months pending further investigations. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison. Additional arrests have been made, bringing the total to twenty-one individuals facing charges linked to the coup attempt (Pagína12).
Initially, Zuñiga was meant to be transferred to the high-security Chonchocoro prison in La Paz, but unexpected circumstances led to his relocation to El Abra prison. Prior to his transfer, Zuñiga claimed he was acting under President Arce’s orders, suggesting the coup attempt was a “self-coup” designed to boost the president’s popularity. President Arce has strongly denied these allegations, posing the rhetorical question, “How could one order or plan a coup against oneself?” (Voz de América).
The coup attempt unfolded on Wednesday as Zuñiga led a military operation that breached the presidential palace under the pretext of “changing the cabinet” and “restoring democracy.” The government swiftly condemned these actions and moved to arrest Zuñiga and his associates. Bolivia’s Interior Minister, Eduardo Del Castillo, reported uncovering evidence of a broader coup plot, including a radiogram ordering the transfer of special forces to execute the plan (Facebook Live).
The failed coup has drawn significant international condemnation. Leaders from neighboring and allied countries, such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, have denounced the attempted overthrow and expressed support for Bolivia’s democracy (Twitter). Additionally, the Organization of American States (OAS) has approved a resolution condemning the coup and expressing solidarity with the Bolivian government and people (Twitter).
The incident reflects the broader socio-political challenges faced by Bolivia, which include rising prices, shortages, and political rivalry between President Arce and former president Evo Morales as the nation edges closer to the 2025 elections (BBC Mundo). As the investigation continues, Bolivia remains on edge, navigating the ramifications of this attempted coup and its implications for national stability.