LA PAZ, Bolivia, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- The Bolivian government has brought charges of genocide against the former president and his Cabinet, La Razon newspaper reported Tuesday.
Former President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada and his ministers are being charged with more than 60 counts of murder due to the deaths that stemmed from an October 2003 protest over Bolivia's plans to export natural gas.
"Goni," as the former Bolivian leader is known, proposed exporting the nation's gas reserves through neighboring Chile, a long-time rival of the poor landlocked South American country.
Many Bolivians continue to despise Chile for taking its coastline during a 19th century war.
Prompted by the outrage and violence, Goni fled the country during the protests. His Vice President Carlos Mesa was later appointed president.
