Bolivia: Notorious Pando Prefect Leopoldo Fernández detained

Caracas, Venezuela, 16 September, 2008. The notorious Prefect- Governor-of the separatist Pando -Leopoldo Fernandez - was detained by the Bolivian Army this morning. Prefect Fernandez is accused of the killing of over 30 farmers last Thursday after hiring Peruvian and Brazilian paramilitaries. Over 50 people still remain missing in Pando and their families feared they had been executed and their bodies thrown into a local river.  Prefect Fernandez has been taken to La Paz for questioning after the Bolivian General Attorney Office requested his detention on Friday.

Today, the Evo Morales administration and the leaders of the separatist regions of Pando, Santa Cruz, Tarija, Chuqisaca continue to negotiate the end of violence. An imminent breakthrough in the negotiations is expected soon. Last night, UNASUR backed President Morales´s government and favour the continuation of peace talks.

Sources: YVKE, Telesur, Globovision,  

Related story: UNASUR backs Bolivian Pres Evo Morales avoids US condemnation, Bolivia: Evo talks with rebellious provinces end with signs of hope