Carlos Sanchez Berzain Abogado | Estadista | Político | Politólogo
Washington, D.C. May 30, 2018
Today’s decision by the Court brings to an end the trial over the difficult and painful days of September and October 2003 that interrupted democracy in Bolivia. The final judgment entered by the trial Court demonstrates that the administration of President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada and Minister Carlos Sánchez Berzaín acted in accordance with the law and without malicious intent. All those who worked in their government should be comforted by the Court’s decision, which reaffirms what they always knew in their conscience.
The Court arrived at its decision after a careful and thorough analysis of the law and all the evidence presented at the trial. It found that the government of President Sánchez de Lozada and Minister Sánchez Berzaín acted within the law and in defense of innocent civilians. The Court further found that there was no plan or intent by their government to use lethal force against civilians. The evidence demonstrated that their government faced social upheaval in the midst of a serious economic crisis, seeking dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflict, while many sought to destroy democracy.
However, President Sánchez de Lozada and Minister Sánchez Berzaín continue to mourn and feel the pain of those difficult days that their beloved country experienced in 2003, and share the hope that someday soon the whole truth of that period will be learned and accepted. This moment provides an opportunity to reflect on those sad days, to pray for those who were affected by violence, and to pledge to do everything possible to ensure that such tragedy never be allowed to happen again.
During the trial, we presented evidence about the economic, political and social reforms implemented during the two Constitutional and democratic administrations of President Sánchez de Lozada and Minister Sánchez Berzaín and the support they provided to the poor, indigenous populations, women, children and the elderly, in each case in accordance with the historical traditions of their party and their own personal and family history of public service.
We hope that the outcome of this trial reminds everyone how crucial justice is for democracy, and how essential it is to restore trust in democratic institutions. Bolivia deserves to, and must, regain its path to peace, progress and liberty.
Stephen D. Raber
Ana C. Reyes
Williams & Connolly