Bolivian government denies attempt to kill Evo Morales

Bolivia’s authorities has denied claims by former President Morales that it ordered focused assaults towards him.

Morales mentioned his automotive got here underneath sustained gunfire Sunday night time within the Cochabamba space, which he denounced as an try and kill him.

However Bolivian Inside Minister Eduardo del Castillo mentioned the previous president’s motorcade fled from an anti-drug patrol, throughout which his safety staff shot at police and ran over an officer.

Evo Morales is locked in an influence battle with President Luis Arce over who ought to be the Motion for Socialist get together’s candidate in subsequent 12 months’s elections.

On Sunday, Morales posted a video on social media exhibiting no less than two bullet holes within the windshield of a automotive he was sitting in.

The professional-Morales faction of the Mas get together mentioned in an announcement that males in black fired on the automobile because it handed the army camp. The faction mentioned President Arce’s authorities was accountable.

However on Monday, del Castillo informed a information convention that an anti-drug trafficking unit was conducting a regular freeway patrol when Morales’ motorcade opened fireplace on police and ran over an officer.

“Mr. Morales, nobody believes the drama you placed on,” he added.

Morales disputed that account, saying in a put up on X that he had been shot “greater than 18 occasions.” He mentioned he fired again after police opened fireplace.

Morales, who was president from 2006 to 2019, is dealing with authorized troubles, together with investigations into alleged statutory rape and human trafficking, which he denies.

For weeks, his supporters have blocked main roads throughout the nation and clashed with police.

Morales believes the accusations are a part of the interim president’s right-wing hatred of him.

Each he and Arce have loyal supporters who’re prepared to take to the streets — and generally have interaction in road fights — to indicate assist for his or her candidates.