Families of Bolivian coup plotters say they were 'betrayed'. The president says it's not his problem

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — The death threats came shortly after Kimina Silva's husband was arrested on charges of participating in a failed coup in Bolivia.

« They call us and say that if we do something, say anything, they will make us disappear. They threaten not only us, but also our children, » said Silva. « They make anonymous calls and say they will kill our children. »

Now, Silva, a mother of three, sat with her mother and brother crying at the prison doors, clinging to any news of her husband, Luis Domingo Balanza.

Balanza, an army major for more than 15 years, was among 21 people arrested after a team of soldiers and armored vehicles staged what the government called a « failed coup ».

The families looked confused and worried at the prison where their loved ones were kept on Friday. Many families of those detained say their loved ones were simply « following orders » or undergoing « military training ».

On Friday, the government announced additional arrests of military personnel, bringing the total to 21, including a former general. Juan Jose Zuniga, who led the failed coup. Among those arrested are retired army personnel and a related person

Bolivian President Luis Arce washed his hands of the families, saying those arrested were innocent or « deceived ». In an interview Friday with The Associated Press.

« This is the problem of the people involved, not the government, » he said.

Images from Bolivia shocked the world on Wednesday, as an armored car crashed into the government palace in the country's seat of government, La Paz, and army officers fled after President Luis Arce said his government was not backing down.

The general, who was ousted by Arce amid the turmoil, also raised suspicions by claiming that he invaded government office in favor of Arce to gain political support at a time of deep economic discontent in Bolivia.

Zuñiga's lawyer, Steven Orellana, told The Associated Press that prosecutors plan to charge Zuñiga with terrorism offenses and starting an armed insurgency. He said he could not disclose any further details related to the case.

About 200 military officers took part in the coup attempt, Bolivia's ambassador to the Organization of American States said Thursday.

« These people ordered the destruction of Bolivian heritage, » senior cabinet member Eduardo del Castillo told a press conference.

Del Castillo echoed hundreds of roaring protesters outside the prison and other government buildings Friday, carrying placards reading « Zunica, traitor, coup leader, respect the state. »

The sobbing families inside told a different story.

Silva and his mother, Daniela, said their family was « destroyed » financially, with no income to support their three children. The family was among those who said their father was following orders and was asked to move away from online studies to the plaza outside the government palace. Silva said her husband later changed her.

« How are we going to feed our family, » said Daniela, who asked not to be identified by her last name because of threats. « I can't think about the future, what the future could be for someone trapped, treated like this. »

He added: « My son is not a villain … he is an accomplice. He protected his heritage and they took advantage of him.

Families and lawyers of the defendants interviewed by the AP could share few details about their family members' cases and legal arguments because they were behind the legal proceedings, but most said they sought « justice » for the detainees.

Others, such as Nubia Barbery, said her husband, Colonel Raul Barberi Muyba, was instructed by Zuniga to undergo « military training ». Once inside the square, Barberi told Sunika that he had been « cheated » and called her shortly after.

The families' claims add further confusion to the doubts already sown by Zunica on Wednesday night about the veracity of the coup.

After his quick arrest, without providing evidence, Ars accused him of ordering the rebellion, prompting political opposition to call the case a « self-coup ».

Zunika said the acquisition was a ploy to boost Ars' popularity. Circular economy, fueling deep political divisions and public discontent. Arce vehemently denied the allegations on Thursday. He told the AP that Bolivia is not in an economic crisis and that the government is « taking action » to address the economic crises Bolivians are suffering.

The embattled president is running With powerful former president Evo Morales on who will be their party's candidate in next year's presidential election. Arce said his government was « politically attacked » by Morales, barring his government from addressing the economic turmoil.

The escalating political feud has left Bolivians disillusioned and baffled as to what really happened in those three chaotic hours when armored vehicles rolled into the city of La Paz on Wednesday.

It is unclear whether Zuniga's allegations about Arce were true – or whether the disgruntled general was trying to exploit Bolivia's mounting crises for his own benefit.

Many, like Cynthia Ramos, were outraged by Wednesday's chaos.

« Zuniga should serve the highest sentence for attacking the Bolivian people, » said Cynthia Ramos, 31, one of the jailed protesters.

Families can say their loved ones are innocent, but Ramos said, “One person couldn't have done this. This person had associates, high level associates. … They should also be given the highest punishment.

Police were seen marching Zuniga into the jail in handcuffs on Friday morning.

Moments earlier, his wife, Graciela Arzasibia, was keeping her eyes down as she waited for the general to emerge from the police station. Holding a small bag of snacks, she expressed concern for her 6-year-old son, who she said believed his incarcerated father was away at work.

« I'm asking that they consider the families, » he told the AP. « We didn't do anything. »