Bolivian General Juan José Zuniga was arrested by authorities in La Paz, Bolivia on June 26, 2024, in connection with an attempted coup.
Claudia Morales | Reuters
Detained Bolivian general Juan José Zuniga has been sentenced to six months of “preventive detention” for leading a failed coup against the government earlier this week, a senior prosecutor said on Friday.
State Attorney Cesar Sears said the attorney general’s office requested the six-month detention and said other government agencies, including the Defense and Interior departments, “due to the importance and gravity of what occurred” Support this request.
Sears added: “The preventive detention ordered by the judge will undoubtedly set a precedent and send a good signal so that the investigation can move forward.”
Before his arrest on Wednesday, Zuniga led troops gathered in the main square of the capital La Paz, home to the presidential palace and Congress. An armored vehicle crashed into the palace gate, sending soldiers rushing into the palace.
Zuniga was charged with terrorism, punishable by 15 to 20 years in prison, and armed insurrection, punishable by five to 15 years in prison, Sears said.
Zuniga said he was carrying out orders from President Luis Arce, but Luis Arce denied involvement or prior knowledge of Zuniga’s actions.
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