Bolivian officials Oviedo and Sokol face suspended judicial hearing

The Third Constitutional Chamber of El Alto has suspended a public hearing regarding a popular action filed against Minister of Government Marco Antonio Oviedo and Police General Mirko Sokol. The legal action, filed by attorney Juan Carlos Revollo Terrazas, alleges an omission of public security duties and requests that both officials step down from their positions.

The suspension occurred after judge Grover John Cori Paz declared a legal excuse to recuse himself from the case. Cori Paz cited a conflict of interest due to a first-degree consanguinity with a lawyer representing the Ministry of Government, noting that his daughter is among the legal representatives.

Because the recusal resulted in a lack of quorum, the court must appoint a new judge and reschedule the hearing to evaluate whether there has been a violation of collective rights.