Bolivia tries 24 suspects involved in failed coup

In a television interview, Mr. Siles Bazan stated: “In the past 11 days, the authorities have identified 6 official crimes, in which the Prosecutor's Office has provided sufficient evidence of criminal responsibility for these 24 subjects.”

Noting the seriousness of the crime, Justice Minister Siles Bazan said the terrorism charge alone carries a 20-year prison sentence, while the other charges could carry a 25-year sentence.

Of the 24 suspects, three are under house arrest, while the rest are being held in prisons in Bolivia.

On June 26, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bolivian Army, General Juan Jose Zuniga, led a group of soldiers using tanks to storm the Presidential Palace in Murillo Square, the center of the capital La Paz. After taking over the Presidential Palace, Mr. Zuniga declared that the attack on the government headquarters was to “reestablish democracy” and “liberate political prisoners.” However, just a few hours later, the police quickly regained control and the soldiers withdrew from the square. Mr. Juan Jose Zuniga was arrested and dismissed immediately after this serious incident.

The suspects are accused of inciting armed rebellion, terrorism, threatening the security of the president and other officials, destroying or damaging public property, as well as misusing public goods and services.