Four more arrested in connection with failed coup, says Bolivian government

Four more people have been arrested in connection with Wednesday’s failed coup attempt against President Luis Arce, Bolivian government officials have said.

Government minister Eduardo del Castillo said that among the 21 people detained were military officers, including the driver of an armoured vehicle that had rammed into the government palace in La Paz.

“He had the audacity to use an armoured vehicle against the patrimony and put the life of the president at risk,” Mr del Castillo said.

Previous arrests included a man who officials said was conducting intelligence in the plaza outside the palace with a bullet-proof vest, and another military sergeant who was communicating through the app FaceTime and other social media.

The government claims the coup attempt was headed by Juan Jose Zuniga, a top general, who alleged without providing evidence that the president had ordered him to carry out the mutiny in a ruse to boost his flagging popularity.

This fuelled speculation about what had really happened among Bolivians, already disillusioned with their government as ongoing political spats between Mr Arce and his one-time political ally Evo Morales have exacerbated the economic crisis in the country.

Mr Arce declared on Thursday night that accusations he had carried out a “self-coup” to garner political support “lies”.

He vowed that Mr Zuniga and those involved would face justice.