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A senior Bolivian judge, Victor Hugo Claure, was fatally shot by hitmen in the eastern city of Santa Cruz, in an attack authorities say is under investigation.
According to Santa Cruz police commander David Gomez, on Friday, one of the two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on the vehicle the judge was travelling in.
Claure, a top member of Bolivia’s agro-environmental court, was reportedly attacked on Thursday night while travelling in a taxi. Claure died before reaching the hospital, with the public prosecutor’s office saying that his body bore four gunshot wounds.
Public prosecutor Alberto Zeballos said officials had footage of the incident and statements from witnesses who were riding in the taxi with Claure.
Authorities have yet to establish a clear motive, although Gomez indicated the killing may be linked to a land dispute.
The United Nations in Bolivia, in a statement, condemned the attack and called for a swift and thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
“It is imperative that all those responsible for this crime be identified and punished.”
Following the incident, security has been increased for other senior judicial officers, with at least 13 magistrates now under enhanced protection.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, in a statement, expressed solidarity with the victim’s family and urged the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue.
