The Bolivian judiciary has ordered the three alleged leaders of the failed coup to be placed in pretrial detention for six months, as announced by the public prosecutor’s office on Friday. Former army commander Juan Jose Zúñiga, former naval forces commander Juan Arnaiz, and former army mechanized brigade commander Alejandro Irahola will be held in a high-security prison near La Paz. Attorney General Cesar Celis expressed approval of this pretrial detention, stating that it would set a good precedent for ongoing investigations.
The three leaders are facing charges of armed uprising and terrorism for their suspected involvement in a coup attempt to overthrow President Luis Arce. This could result in up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. A total of 21 military personnel and civilians were arrested in connection with the coup attempt, which saw forces with tanks surrounding the presidential palace for a time before withdrawing.
Following the failed coup, President Arce quickly dismissed the army chief and appointed a new military command. Former Air Force Commander Marcelo Zegarra is among those detained, awaiting his court appearance soon. Bolivia now faces a period of political turmoil amid economic crisis as the country approaches the 2025 presidential elections.
There is concern within the military establishment due to popular discontent over high prices and oil shortages while Bolivia’s gas and lithium resources remain lucrative internationally. The failed coup highlights underlying tensions and challenges facing the country’s political landscape as it navigates these turbulent times.