Judge ordered the release of lawyer Jorge Valda after being kidnapped by the government

The lawyer Jorge Valda was released this Saturday after a precautionary measures hearing in the context of the Zúñiga case. Judge Eddy Junior Flores determined "pure and simple freedom" as there was no risk of flight or procedural obstruction. The Prosecutor's Office had requested house arrest and travel restrictions, measures that were rejected by the judge.

The Government expressed its disagreement with the judicial decision and announced it will appeal. Valda had been apprehended on Friday in Santa Cruz and immediately transferred to La Paz.

The lawyer's apprehension occurred after the release of the documentary "What Happened on 26J?" presented by the Government. In that audiovisual material, Valda is pointed out as a possible Minister of Justice or Attorney General of a de facto government led by the former Army commander, Juan José Zúñiga.

The film claims there was a plan to seize power by force on June 26, 2024. It also mentions activist Fernando Hamdan as one of the main orchestrators of the attempted military coup. Both are said to have had frequent contact, according to the Public Ministry.

Valda rejected the accusations and assured that his involvement in the case is limited to his role as a defense lawyer. He stated that he represents Hamdan and more than 200 people labeled as political persecuted.

In the hearing, he denied having participated in any coup plan. He argued that the "manifesto" mentioned by the Prosecutor's Office was part of a legal exchange with his client. The defense also alleged irregularities in his detention, including the use of intelligence agents.

In the context of the case, three other people were apprehended between Friday and Saturday. They are retired General Marco Bracamonte, retired journalist Bismarck Imaña, and retired Colonel Mario Tanaka Arauz. All were transferred to La Paz to give statements before the Public Ministry.

The Police are still searching for a fifth implicated person, Deputy Richard Ribera, whose name appears in the arrest warrant against Valda. Ribera has announced he will defend himself against the accusations.

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From the Government, Justice Minister César Siles denied that it is a persecution. He assured that the investigations began ex officio after the events of 26J and that there are already three sentenced by summary procedure. He also noted that there are more than 30 people under investigation and that the judicial process is progressing within the legal framework.

The Public Ministry will be in charge of presenting the formal accusation in the coming days. Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo also stated that the investigation is about to conclude.

Does the regime insist on imprisoning opponents?

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The judge who released Valda argued that there was not enough evidence presented to justify restrictive measures, considered that Valda could defend himself freely without interfering in the investigation. The hearing was held virtually and lasted approximately four hours, the final resolution was received with applause by the lawyer's associates. The ruling was harshly criticized by Executive authorities.

After his release, Valda returned to Santa Cruz this Sunday afternoon. He was received at Viru Viru airport by family, colleagues, and supporters. Upon his arrival, he thanked his wife, daughter, and those who supported him during his detention.

Additionally, Valda assured that he will continue his defense from legality and denounced abuses committed during his apprehension. His wife, also a lawyer, announced that in the coming days they will present legal resources for rights violations.

On Monday, Valda will deliver a public message from the Pro Santa Cruz Committee. He is expected to criticize the actions of the Masista Government and denounce the criminalization of defense lawyers. The event has caused expectation in sectors that denounce persecution of opponents, the Prosecutor's Office keeps the accusation of terrorism and armed uprising.

The political conflict arises from the 26J narrative, the Government keeps that there was a real attempt at a coup d'état. The opposition claims that it was all a setup to suppress critical voices, the presentation of the official documentary has fueled the controversy. Analysts mentioned in it have labeled the audiovisual as "propaganda," the Pro Santa Cruz Committee was one of the first to denounce authoritarian intentions.

The detention of Jorge Valda reflects the use of the judicial apparatus as a political arm of the ruling party. Far from guaranteeing impartiality and due process, the Masista regime has turned justice into a mechanism of selective intimidation, precisely directed against those who represent a threat to its hegemony.