Following allegations of a coup, Bolivian opposition leader Luis Fernando Camacho was arrested – and is unlikely to be released for a long time. A court in the capital La Paz on Friday night detained the governor of the wealthy region of Santa Cruz for four months. Camacho was combative during the hearing. “I will never give up. This is a fight for democracy and freedom,” said the right-wing politician.
Camacho was arrested Wednesday on an October warrant. He is accused of playing an important role in the 2019 protests against then-head of state Evo Morales. Morales was eventually forced to resign and the current left-wing government considers the protests a coup d’état at the time. Camacho faces a long prison sentence.
The arrest heightened tensions between the left-wing government of President Luis Arce and Camacho’s base in the prosperous agricultural center of Santa Cruz. Camacho was defeated in the 2020 presidential election by the socialist Arce, who served as economy minister under Morales. The arrest followed weeks of protests in Santa Cruz led by the regional governor.
Arrest is ‘brutal kidnapping’ for Camacho
Camacho had criticized his arrest on Wednesday as a “brutal kidnapping”. The lawyer criticized the allegations as incoherent, implausible and false. Former President Morales was pleased with the action against Camacho. Camacho must now “finally” answer for “the coup that led to looting, persecution, arrests and massacres by the de facto government,” Morales said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
