The Bolivian government has dismissed former President Evo Morales’ allegations that a targeted attack was ordered against him, following an incident where his vehicle reportedly came under gunfire.
Morales claimed that his car was shot at on Sunday night in the Cochabamba region, describing it as an assassination attempt. However, Bolivia’s Interior Minister, Eduardo del Castillo, stated that Morales’ convoy had fled from an anti-drug patrol, during which members of his security team allegedly fired at police and collided with an officer.
The ongoing power struggle between Morales and current President Luis Arce revolves around the candidacy for next year’s election under the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party. Morales posted a video on social media showing at least two bullet holes in his car’s windshield.
A pro-Morales faction within the MAS party claimed that individuals in black clothing opened fire on Morales’ vehicle as it passed a military barracks, holding President Arce’s government accountable for the incident.
In response, del Castillo stated at a news conference that the anti-drug unit was conducting a routine patrol when Morales’ convoy discharged shots at the police, resulting in injuries. “Mr. Morales, nobody believes the theatre you have staged,” he remarked.
Morales disputed this narrative, asserting on social media that he was shot at “more than 18 times” and that he returned fire after the police opened fire first.
Since resigning from the presidency in 2019 amid accusations of vote-rigging, Morales has faced legal challenges, including investigations for alleged statutory rape and human trafficking, which he denies. His supporters have been actively blocking key roads and clashing with police across the country.
Morales contends that the accusations against him stem from a right-wing vendetta initiated by the interim president who succeeded him. Both he and Arce command groups of loyal supporters ready to demonstrate their allegiance and engage in confrontations in the streets.
Credit: BBC News
