BUENOS AIRES (Sputnik) – The four-month detention of Bolivia’s ex-interim President Jeanine Anez has been extended to six months amid a coup probe, the El Deber newspaper reports citing a court decision.
Earlier this month, Anez was detained on suspicions of terrorism, sedition and conspiracy related to what investigators consider a coup that led to the resignation of former Bolivian President Evo Morales. Later Anez announced she was given four months of administrative detention pending trial.
Two former members of Anez’ caretaker government, ex-Justice Minister Alvaro Coimbra and ex-Energy Minister Rodrigo Guzman, were also detained as part of the same probe.
El Deber said on Saturday that Anez’s detention had been extended to six months. The extension also applies to Coimbra and Guzman.
ABI reported on Saturday that Anez was not going to be transferred to a hospital and was going to get all the necessary treatment in prison. She will be allowed visits by a close relative and a doctor.
Earlier this week, Anez’ lawyer called for her hospitalization, as she suffers from symptoms of high blood pressure.
In response to her detention, human rights groups and the OAS have condemned the arrest as political persecution and called for a reform of Bolivia’s judicial system, creation of an international commission under the UN and the OAS to look into corruption in the Bolivian government and opening investigations into potential crimes against humanity in the International Criminal Court.
In November 2019, Evo Morales resigned as president and left Bolivia under pressure from the military, after the Bolivian opposition, led by Carlos Mesa, claimed that there were mass violations during the October 2019 vote. Most of Bolivia’s senior officials resigned in his wake.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
