Lara Releases Second Audio Allegedly of Paz and Cerimedo Plotting State-of-Exception "Narrative"

Vice President Edmand Lara publicized a second purported audio recording, this one allegedly of President Paz and Fernando Cerimedo discussing how to build a public "narrative" for applying the state of exception ultimately decreed June 20 to end the May-June blockades. Lara said the recording would be sent to the Public Ministry for expert authentication, and that if genuine it would show Cerimedo in contact with Paz days before the decree and with a larger governing role than publicly acknowledged. Asked by reporters about the audios' authenticity, President Paz declined to comment: "Let Justice act, let it do its work; I don't pay attention to audios, I do pay attention to what Justice and those who conduct the expert review can determine."