Politics After attempted coup in Bolivia: three ex-generals in custody

Following the failed coup attempt in Bolivia, a judge has ordered three former generals to be remanded in custody for six months. Several media outlets unanimously reported on Friday (local time) that this was in accordance with a request from the public prosecutor's office. "The judge's decision will undoubtedly set a precedent and is a good sign that the investigation can continue," said public prosecutor César Siles. The charges brought by the Attorney General's Office are terrorism and armed rebellion against the security and sovereignty of the state.

The former commanders of the army, Juan José Zúñiga Macías, and the navy, Juan Arnez Salvador, as well as another ex-general, Edison Alejandro Irahola Caero, are facing prison sentences of 20 years.

A coup d'état failed in La Paz on Wednesday. Renegade military officers had occupied the central square with armored vehicles and forced their way into the government palace. President Luis Arce replaced the entire leadership of the armed forces. The new chiefs of the armed forces then ordered the troops to withdraw.

A total of 21 military personnel were arrested following the attempted coup, as Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo said at a press conference on Friday. Among the "key people" arrested was the driver of the tank used to destroy the door of the government palace, del Castillo said.