USA sanctions 15 Bolivian officials for corruption and illicit influence
Washington imposes visa restrictions on 15 current or former public officials in Bolivia and 25 family members. The embassy states its support for eradicating illicit influence in courts and police.
New list of sanctioned individuals: USA restricts visas for Bolivian officials over corruption
The United States Embassy in Bolivia stated that it supports the country in efforts to "eradicate illicit influence in the courts, police and legislative bodies", according to oxigeno.bo. The statement came after the publication of a new list of Bolivians facing sanctions and visa restrictions.
Through the social network X, the Embassy reproduced statements by the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Juan Pablo Segura. The message indicates that "to protect regional stability it is necessary to promote the accountability of those responsible for acts of corruption".
"By imposing visa restrictions on these individuals, we are supporting the efforts being undertaken in Bolivia and Colombia to eradicate illicit influence in the courts, police and legislative bodies", the statement says.
The Donald Trump administration announced the measures on Thursday pursuant to commitments adopted at the follow-up summit of the Shield of the Americas, held last September. The restrictions affect 15 current or former Bolivian public officials and 25 direct family members of the same.
Among those sanctioned are two sitting deputies: Rolando Pacheco, of the Popular Alliance, and Rafael López, who is seeking the leadership of the Libre bloc of Tuto Quiroga. Also appearing on the list are senior former officials from the judicial sphere, including former Attorney General Juan Lanchipa and the current president of the Departmental Court of Justice of Santa Cruz, Aldo Quezada.
This is the second list of sanctioned individuals published by Washington. The first included, among others, former Attorney General Roger Mariaca, who was apprehended in Bolivia a few hours later and sent to preventive detention.
Source: Google News BO — Crime