Versión Español
EspañolBolivia officially denounced Chile to the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States this Wednesday, June 14, for the “unjust and violent detention of the nine public servants who fought against smuggling.”
According to Bolivian President Evo Morales, treatment of the officers constituted torture, as shots were fired by their ears to intimidate and harass them, and they were beat without mercy despite explaining they were law enforcement carrying out duties to patrol against smuggling.
According to Morales, the actions against the nine officials are a form of “revenge” against Bolivia for the lawsuit it filed against Chile with the International Court of Justice.
“Chile knows that Bolivia has justice, truth and the law on its side, so it sought revenge on nine people,” Morales said. “Bolivia exercises and demands its rights before the ICJ and Chile retaliates with nine officials who were fighting against contraband.”
He cited the Manila Declaration, which states that Chile should respect Bolivia and not discriminate against its people.
“Almost none of the Bolivian government’s statements surprise us,” Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz said. “They are new unfounded accusations that lack credibility and do not deserve further response response.”
He claimed Chile abides by the rule of law, having arrested the officers who were stealing goos from a truck that had crossed over from Chile. However, Bolivia denies that version of the story.
Sources: El Deber; La Tercera; Panorama.
