A Brazilian journalistic team managed to enter the heart of the Cochabamba tropic. There lies the refuge of former dictator Evo Morales, surrounded by his followers. The report was broadcast by Brazil's Record network last Sunday.
The footage showed Morales entrenched in the town of Lauca Ñ, within the municipality of Shinahota. The security protecting him is armed and organized, carrying spears and improvised shields.
The journalists passed through at least three checkpoints before reachingMorales. Each security ring consists of activists who take turns on watch. Access is strictly restricted to trusted individuals.
At the entrance to his headquarters, the following sign can be read: “Estado Mayor del Pueblo”. The building belongs to the Chapare coca growers' federations.
The documentary showed Morales giving an interview in his office. The place is decorated with flags and photographs from his time as president.
Morales once again denounced his political disqualification. He claimed that he was illegally stripped of the MAS acronym. He also requested support from Lula da Silva to return to power.
According to the Brazilian outlet, about 3,000 people guard the coca grower leader. They carry homemade weapons made from barrel scraps and sticks. They follow schedules, rules, and guard rotations.
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The complaint against Morales is linked to an alleged relationship with a minor. The case is for aggravated human trafficking and statutory rape. The police haven't been able to execute the court order against him.
His followers prevent the entry of any state force. According to reports, Chapare has become an autonomous territory.
In this context, Congressman Alberto Astorga described Chapare as "no man's land". He claimed that hitmen and drug traffickers hide there. He criticized the lack of action by the national government.
Additionally, the parliamentarian said that Morales has absolute control of the area. He proposed a future military intervention to reclaim the place.
A few days ago, the "evismo" targeted former authorities and active military personnel. They held them responsible for planning an operation against Morales and indicated that there are infiltrators in Umopar. They mentioned former minister Hugo Moldiz and Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo.
Maicol Rojas, intercultural leader, issued public threats. He said he has identified the military personnel trying to detain Morales. He claimed that they know their movements and addresses.
He accused the Army of coordinating covert actions. The organizations announced increased surveillance in Chapare.
Gastón Ledezma, from the Carrasco Tropical Federation, warned of reprisals. He accused politicians and military personnel of wanting to neutralize the former dictator.
He pointed to a plot to weaken his leadership ahead of the elections. He announced that they won't allow any kind of attack. He reiterated that the people will defend their "brother Evo."
The "evistas" denounced that the capture attempts are part of a political plan. They claim that the goal is to prevent Morales's candidacy.
The images from the Brazilian documentary reinforce these concerns. Access to the leader has become almost impossible for national media. Morales lives in a bunker with loyal civilian guards.
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The journalist was only able to interview him with the help of an internal collaborator. This made it possible to enter the building now called a fortress.
Bloomberg was the first international outlet to achieve something similar. Its report also showed the strict controls in the area.
The similarities between both documentaries are clear. There is an organized, persistent, and determined defense structure. Morales's figure remains shielded by his base.
From Morales's inner circle, there are no signs of retreat. On the contrary, the narrative of the persecuted leader is being strengthened.
The former dictator constantly portrays himself as a victim before the international community. He seeks external support while in Bolivia he faces institutional rejection. Chapare remains his only shield.
The groups protecting him maintain territorial control over a strategic region. Bolivian law has no effective presence there.
The police have been displaced by union forces. Meanwhile, the power of the State has been replaced by loyalty to a strongman.
The accusations against Morales haven't stopped his political activities. What is happening in Lauca Ñ reflects a deep fracture. Meanwhile, it shows that, in Bolivia, there are areas where the law no longer rules.
This almost paramilitary entrenchment around Evo Morales reflects his desperation to evade justice. It also demonstrates a dangerous normalization of violence as a mechanism of power.
La Derecha Diario 
