Criminals aligned with Mayor Johnny Fernández assaulted opposition councilors

The session of the Municipal Council of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, scheduled for this Sunday, ended marked by violence. Opposition councilors were attacked by a mob at the entrance to the legislative building, the group was composed of UCS activists, the party of Mayor Fernández. The violence forced the councilors to hold the session at an alternate venue, yet they managed to form the new board.

The attacks included shoving, chair blows, firecrackers, and even breaking glass. Councilwoman Lola Terrazas's vehicle was damaged by the protesters, and injuries to the hands and arms of several councilors were also reported. Silvana Mucarzel, outgoing president of the Council, denounced that they were surrounded and claimed that their right to perform their duties was violated.

Israel Alcócer, from UCS, was elected as the new president of the Municipal Council for the 2025-2026 term. The vice presidency was assigned to José Alberti, from Comunidad Autonómica, and Silvana Mucarzel was appointed as secretary, who continues to perform her duties despite her expulsion from UCS. The session took place at Casona I, with a regulatory quorum, seven main councilors participated in the deliberation.

From outside, the mob attempted to force their way in, launching firecrackers and trying to violently break down the door. Officials and authorities used furniture to block the access. Amid the chaos, Mucarzel managed to present her management report and then the new board was voted on, which was approved unanimously.

Alcócer thanked the support received and promised a management focused on institutionalism, saying his priority will be to oversee without political pressures. He also denounced that Mayor Fernández tried to prevent the session by all means and mentioned Luciano Negrete and Alejandro Parada as instigators. “We had to face criminal acts promoted from the Mayor's Office,” he declared.

The day did not end with the vote because once the session was over, new attempts of forced entry were recorded. The protesters did not achieve their goal, but caused more damage. Destruction was reported inside and outside the alternate venue, Alcócer lamented that the Police did not respond despite the calls.

Silvana Mucarzel denounced that she requested police protection in advance, saying she went on Sunday morning to formally request guarantees. However, when the opposition councilors arrived, there was no police presence. Instead, they found the vigil organized by UCS, the situation quickly escalated into aggression.

Does the Mayor fear oversight?

According to the call spread by UCS supporters, the vigil was supposed to last all night Saturday until Sunday afternoon. The goal was to prevent Mucarzel and Alcócer from exercising representation because they are accused of political defection. However, both remain elected authorities.

Official councilor Miguel Fernández assured that the acts of violence were provoked by the opposition themselves. He claimed that Mucarzel and Alcócer insulted the vigil, saying that the people only defended themselves. Fernández is the son of Mayor Jhonny Fernández and believes that both councilors no longer have a mandate.

UCS delegate Luis Antezana reiterated that the two councilors were officially expelled and added that their seats should be given to substitutes Andrea Negrete and Denny Guzmán. According to UCS, the Departmental Electoral Tribunal is delaying a decision. Fernández criticized the body for not acting swiftly and said they are evaluating legal actions.

From the opposition, Mamén Saavedra accused the mayor of trying to decapitate the Council. He claimed that Fernández uses violence because he can't control the board, the official strategy is to prevent oversight work. He also pointed out that municipal officials participated in the vigil, according to him, there was direct coordination from the Mayor's Office.

Councilor Rolando Pacheco was also a victim of attacks, his vehicle was stoned while trying to reach the session. He denounced that the strikers were under the influence of alcohol and other substances. He called it a criminal act and said they were attacked for being opposition.

Before the session, a judicial action prevented the Council from meeting, issued by a judge from El Torno the previous Friday. However, this measure was revoked on Saturday, allowing the Council to convene on Sunday. Five councilors filed the appeal to reverse the restriction.

José Alberti, one of the councilors who promoted the appeal, defended the Council's right to meet and said the judge had no jurisdiction over the municipal body. He claimed that political rights were violated, also stating that municipal autonomy is protected by the Constitution. He requested that from now on legality be respected.

The aggressions carried out by supporters of Mayor Jhonny Fernández are an alarming sign of the institutional deterioration facing the municipality. Turning violence into a political tool not only violates essential rights, it also endangers democratic coexistence. Attacking councilors to prevent a legal session is an authoritarian act that must be condemned.