Bolivia former army commander captured following coup attempt

La Paz, Jun 26 (EFE) - Former Bolivian army commander Juan José Zúñiga, accused of attempting a coup against President Luis Arce on Wednesday, was captured as he left the armed forces barracks at 19:00 local time.

Zúñiga was leading a group of soldiers and tanks who, according to the military man, intended to "change the government cabinet" and "restore democracy" in the country.

However, the ousted Bolivian military commander declared during his detention that President Luis Arce had ordered him to take out the "armoured vehicles" to "increase" his popularity. (Camera: GABRIEL ROMANO).

FOOTAGE OF STATEMENTS TO THE PRESS BY FORMER BOLIVIAN ARMY COMMANDER JUAN JOSÉ ZÚÑIGA, WHO LED THE MILITARY TAKEOVER OF PLAZA MURILLO, AND JHONNY AGUILERA, VICE-MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR, IN LA PAZ, BOLIVIA.

SOUND BITES AND TRANSLALTION:

1. JUAN JOSÉ ZÚÑIGA, WHO COMMANDED THE MILITARY TAKEOVER OF PLAZA MURILLO (IN SPANISH).

-The armed forces aim to restructure democracy, to make it a true democracy, not one controlled by a few, not by owners who have been managing the country for 30, 40 years. Likewise, a request that is decisive and that we will fulfill is the immediate release of all political prisoners. It cannot be that subordinates are imprisoned for merely following an order. We will absolutely release all political prisoners. From Camacho, from Hayes, the generals, the lieutenant colonels, the majors, the captains who are imprisoned. That is the request of the armed forces, of the foot soldier, and we will fulfill it. We want to establish democracy, a democracy that a few have taken over. Look where they have led us; our children have no future, the people have no future, and the army does not lift a finger to look out for the future of our children, for the well-being and progress of our children. Enough of a few elites taking over the power of the State. So I repeat, the request of the military units, of the armed forces, is that we soon recover and release all political prisoners absolutely. I will be clear, from Camacho to Áñez, the generals, the lieutenant colonels, the majors, and the captains who are political prisoners.

2. JHONNY AGUILERA, VICE-MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR (IN SPANISH).

-Those who were in that place have been expelled by our population. Because I am sure that all Bolivians want to preserve not only the law but also democracy. We have no tolerance for those who have attempted to undermine this rule of law. We have lived in democracy for 42 years, and not for a whim, not for a selfish act, can that conduct be put at risk. Just minutes ago, the president of the state ordered the elevation of the command of the Armed Forces, and we are certain that they will help us. Not only to capture, but to keep a close watch on those who today, I repeat, have attempted to undermine democracy.