Bolivia: Coup Leaders in Prison

Former Bolivian Army chief General Juan José Zuniga and two other high-ranking officers were placed in pre-trial detention yesterday, Saturday, in a high-security prison. All three are accused of leading a failed coup attempt last Wednesday. The three leaders, suspected of attempting to overthrow President Luis Arce, are charged with carrying out an armed uprising and terrorism, facing the possibility of up to 20 years in prison. Prison authority director Juan Carlos Limpias explained that Zuniga was transferred late Saturday to another prison in El Abra, a high-security facility in Cochabamba, for his safety due to the rejection he faced from inmates in Chonchocoro, who regarded him as "unwanted." In contrast, Arnez and Irabola remain in Chonchocoro prison. During his transfer to the second prison, Zuniga told the press while handcuffed, "At some point, the truth will be known."