Roberto Sándoval, campaign manager for an opposition candidate, has been freed (see news report). The ruling was made by a judge in an El Alto court, after state prosecutors were unable to present any evidence, indictments, or warrants against Sándoval. In effect, the judge ruled the arrest—made by agents of the Intelligence and Government ministries—illegal (see previous post).
It’s noteworthy that Sándoval was freed & escorted by Bolivian national police. The escort was necessary, since a mob of El Alto residents had gathered, demanding Sándoval be sent to the infamous Conchocoro prison. Sándoval was defended by Alberto Cosa Obregón, a noted jurist & 2002 presidential candidate for Ley y Justicia.
But the mob gathered outside the proceedings is troubling. First, because it raises questions not only of why Sándoval was illegally kidnapped (as the court has essentially ruled), but why he was brought to El Alto (he was arrested in Sucre). Second, because it makes the detention seem much more like an attempt to intimidate the opposition (which will no doubt backfire).
It would be interesting to know how the decision to detain Sandoval was made. I doubt we'll find out. Obviously the government was attempting to distance themselves from the act, as no one showed up to prosecute him, yet Rada's statements haven't softened since.