Independent journalists who are covering protests in Bolivia were accused of carrying out “sedition” by Communications Minister Roxana Lizarraga, who was paradoxically appointed by a US-backed government that emerged from a coup d’etat against the socialist President Evo Morales.

“Law will be fully enforced against those journalists or pseudo-journalists who are seditious, whether they are nationals or foreigners,” Lizarraga said and took the opportunity to blame Cuba and Venezuela for the ongoing social unrest in Bolivia.

“They want to put us on their knees,” she added and warned that the Interior Ministry already has a list of the journalists who are stirring up resistance or rebellion against the coup-born regime.

After these announcements, four Cuban officials were arrested and accused of demonstrating against the interim government headed by Senator Jeanine Añez, who self-proclaimed president on Nov. 12.

According to identity documents to which international journalists had access, however, the detainees are cooperating technicians who are part of the Cuban Medical Brigade.

Physician Ramon Emilio, economist Idalberto Delgado and electromedical engineer Amparo Lourdes are currently being held at the Police Operations Tactical Unit (UTOP) in La Paz. The fourth detainee’s identity is not yet known […]