Bolivia’s Morales says vehicle fired upon as political tensions rise
NBCOct 27
Bolivia: Evo Morales Claims Assassination Attempt, Accuses Government
Above: Evo Morales, Bolivia's former president, speaks during a campaign launch in Lauca Eñe, Cochabamba, on Oct. 4, 2023. Image copyright: Marcelo Perez del Carpio/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
Bolivia's former Pres. Evo Morales claimed on Sunday that he suffered an assassination attempt earlier in the day after gunmen intercepted his car in the central department of Cochabamba and opened fire, reportedly injuring his driver in the head and arm.
Morales blamed the attack on the incumbent president, his ally-turned-foe Luis Arce, and two government ministers, and reported the incident to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
The Spin
Narrative A
The attack against Evo Morales and his entourage is a clear act of fascist violence with the sole intention of silencing a political leader and promoting hatred in the country. Authorities in Bolivia must hold accountable those responsible for this assassination attempt.
Narrative B
This so-called assassination attempt against Morales was most likely staged as he has long sought to cause unrest in Bolivia to advance his own political ambitions and undermine the Arce administration. It's better to take his claims with a grain of salt before investigations are concluded.