The governor of Santa Cruz, Luis Fernando Camacho, has invoked his right not to testify for fear that his statement, he said, «will be distorted», after being arrested on Wednesday for his alleged involvement in the overthrow of former president Evo Morales after the 2019 elections.
«Not believing in the Bolivian Justice and in order that my statement is not distorted to seek to incriminate someone else, I prefer to defend myself in writing,» said Camacho, who has described his arrest as a «kidnapping».
Camacho is the main leader of Santa Cruz, the richest region of Bolivia and historically opposed to the governments of the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS), scene in the last month of new protests and blockades, this time to oppose the census law of Luis Arce’s government.
His arrest is motivated by his role in the violent demonstrations and protests that occurred after the opposition, supported by the Armed Forces, pressured Morales to renounce his victory in the October 2019 elections, whose results were also questioned by the Organization of American States (OAS).
Jeanine Áñez is in jail awaiting trial for the so-called ‘Coup d’Etat’ case, the self-proclaimed president was the media figure and the most recognizable of those events of which it was always suspected that Camacho and the rest of the Santa Cruz civic members were behind.
«I want to make it clear that I am proud and I carry high having been part of the greatest struggle in the history of Bolivia for freedom and democracy and in defense of our vote that was being stolen from us», said Camacho in the written statement addressed to the Prosecutor’s Office.
In his brief statement he also pointed out that the accusation against him «lacks coherence, credibility and truth» and that he has always been at the disposal of the authorities to talk about that «deed» since he has nothing to hide, said the opposition leader.
After his arrest, there have been protests in Santa Cruz, including road and airport blockades. Likewise, other opposition representatives have demanded his release, warning the government that they will not «give up» and that they will continue to fight «to the last consequences».
«I assure you that we are going to win this battle too. We must remain firm, united and committed to freedom and democracy, as has always characterized our struggles,» said the leader of the Santa Cruz Civic Committee, Rómulo Calvo.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
