Pars Today

Police in Bolivia have detained one of the country’s main opposition leaders, Santa Cruz Governor Luis Fernando Camacho, on “terrorism” charges in a move that is bound to significantly escalate tensions between his supporters and security forces.

Camacho’s arrest was confirmed by Bolivia’s Interior Minister Carlos Eduardo del Castillo del Carpio in a Twitter post on Wednesday. Earlier, he had been under investigation on several charges, including efforts to oust former President Evo Morales and fanning protests in Santa Cruz this year.

“We inform the Bolivian people that the Bolivian police executed an arrest warrant against Luis Fernando Camacho,” Eduardo del Castillo said, adding that Camacho had been flown to La Paz, the country’s capital, for questioning.

The official said the arrest had been connected to the toppling of Morales in 2019. Camacho is the second high-profile political figure linked to Morales’ ouster to be detained. Ex-President Jeanine Anez was given a 10-year prison term last year after being found guilty of orchestrating a “coup.”

If convicted, Camacho could face at least 15 to 20 years in jail, said a report by Reuters, citing a constitutional lawyer Israel Quino.

The governor’s office, meanwhile, claimed Camacho had been “kidnapped in a completely irregular police operation,” but the state attorney’s office rejected the allegations that the arrest was a kidnapping or constituted political persecution.

After learning of Camacho’s arrest, supporters barricaded streets in Santa Cruz with paving stones, tree branches, and vehicles to demand his release. They also torched the regional prosecutor’s office. No injuries were reported.

TV footage showed police trying to disperse demonstrators in Santa Cruz with tear gas. Videos posted on social media showed Camacho’s supporters blocking airports in a bid to stop his transfer to La Paz, prompting the suspension of flights.

ME