Bolivian Governor's Admitted Complicity May Effect Peace Talks

By Victor Ray Garza
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

LA PAZ, Bolivia - Opposition Governor Leopoldo Fernandez of Pando admitted in court to playing a role in the massacre of at least eighteen people.  The group of indigenous farmers were on their way to a pro-government rally when they were fired upon by a group of anti-government protesters. 

Judge William Davila told reporters that Governor Fernandez provided the anti-government protesters with two vehicles from his office.  He admits to doing so with the knowledge that they were on their way to ambush the group of farmers.  Tens of others were injured in the attack and hundreds others are still missing. These admissions in open court come as talks between the two opposing sides are progressing.

The Union of South American Nations (Unasur) met today in New York City at the United Nations to discuss how to resolve the crisis and give an update to the assembly.  Governor Fernandez's admissions may have an effect on the progress of the talks.  A full investigation into the massacre is one of the demands of President Morales.  Opposition leaders are asking for the release of the Governor. 

Judge Davila ordered Governor Fernandez to be locked up in the San Pedro penitentiary in La Paz.  The order came shortly after the Supreme Court ordered him moved to a prison in the opposition friendly region of Sucre.  The move to Sucre was seen as a step towards releasing the governor as a show of reconciliation towards the opposition. It remains unseen how opposition leaders will react to the placing of the Governor in a penitentiary. 

The governors admitted role in the massacre added further legitimacy to the indignation expressed by the international community.  During the Unasur meeting the heads of South American nations reaffirmed their condemnation of the tactics used by the opposition.  Unasur did report that steps in the direction of a peaceful solution have been taken.

For more information, please see:

Prensa Latina - Bolivia Governor Admits Complicity - 24 September 2008

Reuters - South America Leaders to meet on Bolivia Crisis - 22 September 2008

BBC News - Bolivian Rivals Begin Peace Talks - 18 September 2008