GENEVA: The United Nations called on Thursday for a thorough investigation into allegations of violence and for fair trials for those detained following a failed coup attempt in Bolivia. The attempted overthrow of President Luis Arce’s government by military chiefs has intensified the ongoing turmoil in the country, which is already grappling with severe economic decline.
“I am deeply worried about Wednesday’s military incursion at the presidential palace in Bolivia,” said UN human rights chief Volker Turk in a statement. “It is crucial for Bolivian authorities, including the armed forces, to ensure full respect for human rights under all circumstances, protect the constitutional order, and maintain peace.”
Turk emphasized the importance of a thorough and impartial investigation into the violence and injuries reported during the failed coup. “Those responsible must be held to account, and those detained in relation to the events must receive fair trials,” he added.
The UN high commissioner for human rights stressed that dialogue and democratic mechanisms are the only ways to resolve the tensions in Bolivia.
The coup attempt saw Army Chief Juan Jose Zuniga deploy troops and tanks to the heart of the Bolivian capital, La Paz, where they attempted to breach the presidential palace. The incursion was short-lived, as soldiers and tanks soon retreated, and local television broadcast images of Zuniga’s arrest. Bolivia’s naval chief, Juan Arnez Salvador, was also arrested. Both men face up to 20 years in prison on charges of terrorism and armed uprising, according to prosecutors.
The international community has widely condemned the coup attempt. Russia, in particular, denounced the attempted military coup and warned against destructive foreign interference in Bolivia’s political process.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope for a quick restoration of calm, while the Russian foreign ministry issued a statement condemning the coup attempt and expressing unwavering support for President Arce’s government. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a phone conversation with Bolivian counterpart Celinda Sosa, reaffirming solidarity with Bolivia.
“Lavrov confirmed our solidarity with brotherly Bolivia, a reliable strategic partner of Russia,” stated the Moscow ministry. Earlier this month, Arce visited Russia and held talks with President Vladimir Putin, where both leaders expressed a desire to strengthen economic ties.
Russia also criticized unspecified foreign states for attempting to interfere in Bolivia’s political process. The foreign ministry’s statement did not name specific countries, but such language is typically used by Moscow to criticize the United States and other Western nations.
“We warn against attempts at destructive foreign interference in the internal affairs of Bolivia and other states, which has repeatedly led to tragic consequences for a number of countries and peoples, including in the Latin American region,” the ministry said.
