FEJUVE leader detained on terrorism charges following abduction allegation in La Paz
Relatives of Justino Apaza reported his abduction by hooded men; the Public Prosecutor's Office clarified that he was detained on suspected terrorism charges.
Family reports abduction of neighbourhood leader and Public Prosecutor's Office confirms detention on terrorism charges
Resumenlatinoamericano.org reports that relatives of Justino Apaza, leader of the Federation of Neighbourhood Councils (FEJUVE) in La Paz, reported that on Wednesday afternoon he was forcibly placed into a vehicle by hooded men, without any arrest warrant being presented. The Public Prosecutor's Office clarified hours later that Apaza was detained in the course of an investigation into alleged terrorism offences.
According to a statement by Esmeralda Calderón, the leader's wife, the incident occurred around 16:45, when Apaza was near his home. Eyewitnesses confirmed that he was forcibly placed into a vehicle without the individuals involved identifying themselves.
The incident took place hours after Apaza had participated in a press conference alongside other leaders of the neighbourhood organisation, at which they also demanded the immediate resignation of the State president, Rodrigo Paz Pereira.
The police reported that the operation was carried out at the leader's home, one day after he had organised a town assembly in the city of El Alto. The authorities linked the detention to alleged terrorism offences and other charges related to recent mobilisations recorded in the country.
Apaza's relatives and associates demanded an immediate explanation from the authorities regarding the circumstances of the operation and called for the corresponding investigation to be carried out in accordance with the law.
The case is at the investigation stage. The authorities must determine the legal situation of the leader as the legal process advances.
Source: Google News BO — Crime