Bolivian Vice President Edmand Lara meets detained Luis Arce

Bolivian Vice President Edmand Lara confirmed a brief, incidental conversation with former President Luis Arce during a visit to the San Pedro prison in La Paz. Arce is currently held in preventive detention as part of an investigation into the 'Fondo Indígena' case. Lara stated that Arce approached him to mention that his medical care within the facility has improved, emphasizing that while in detention, Arce is treated as a prisoner like any other.

The visit, conducted alongside a commission from the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, was intended to inspect prison conditions. Lara denied allegations from Deputy Manolo Rojas that the meeting was pre-arranged or politically motivated.

Separately, Lara addressed the strained relationship between himself and President Rodrigo Paz. Describing their connection as strictly 'institutional', Lara stated he would not 'beg or humiliate' himself before the President. He noted that despite facing budget cuts and reduced authority, he remains focused on his duties within the Vice Presidency and the Legislative Assembly.