Bolivia coup plotter charged with terrorism

General Juan Jose Zuniga, the leader of the coup plot in Bolivia, has been charged with terrorism.

The arrest warrant published on Bolivian television said Mr. Zuniga and the coup plotters were accused of "committing acts of terrorism and armed rebellion against public security and state sovereignty."

Bolivian television earlier broadcast images of Mr. Zuniga being escorted by police out of the General Staff building.

On June 26, General Zuniga and a group of soldiers under his command broke into the Presidential Palace (former headquarters) while information about a military coup plot emerged.

Hours later, General Zuniga was arrested. It is not yet clear where he has been extradited.

Previously, on June 25, General Zuniga received notice of being dismissed from his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Army due to threats against former President Evo Morales - Chairman of the Movement for Socialism Party (MAS).

Mr. Morales served as President of Bolivia from 2006-2019. Bolivian press reported that in recent days, General Zuniga has made statements of dissatisfaction and opposition to Mr. Morales running for re-election in 2025.

Bolivian President Luis Arce has appointed a new commander-in-chief to replace General Zuniga. The new commander-in-chief, Jose Wilson Sanchez, has ordered the troops led by General Zuniga to retreat. Shortly thereafter, armored vehicles and soldiers withdrew from the area around the Presidential Palace.

The Bolivian government and many world leaders have condemned the coup attempt by General Zuniga.

From the White House, the administration of US President Joe Biden said it was closely monitoring the situation in Bolivia.