Mamani v. Berzaín (309 F. Supp. 3d 1274, 2018)

II. FACTS

The facts central to Defendants' summary judgment Motion, taken in the light most favorable to Plaintiffs, the nonmoving parties, are set out below.

A. Background

Defendant Lozada served as the democratically-elected President of Bolivia from August 1993 to August 1997 and again from August 2002 to October 2003. Defendants' Statement of Material Facts ("SMF") [DE 341] ¶ 1. Defendant Berzaín served as Minister of Defense during Defendant Lozada's second term as president, between early August 2003 and October 2003. Id. ¶ 2.

In 2001, approximately a year and a half before Bolivia's 2002 presidential election, Defendants agreed to a plan whereby they would use military force to kill civilians in order to quash public opposition to their economic programs. Plaintiffs' Ex. H (Canelas Decl. ¶¶ 4-7). , Specifically, Defendants sought to "avoid the problems that President Hugo Banzer Suarez faced during the 'Water War.' " Id. ¶ 5. During the "Water War" of 1999 and 2000, the Bolivian government was forced to abandon a plan to privatize the water system in Cochabamba, Bolivia in the face of massive protests. See Defendants' Ex. RR (Lozada Dep. Tr. 53:5-54:8). To avoid civilian opposition similarly derailing their policies and programs, Defendants planned to use trained troops from eastern Bolivia, as opposed to conscripts, to confront protesters. Plaintiffs' Ex. H (Canelas Decl. ¶ 6). Defendant Berzaín stated that it would be necessary to "kill two or three thousand people." Id. Defendant Lozada indicated that he approved of what Defendant Berzaín said. Id. ¶ 7.

On August 8, 2002, two days after entering office, Defendant Lozada issued Presidential Decree 26757, designating members of the Armed Forces to form his Military High Command, including, inter alia , Commander Juan Veliz Herrera. Plaintiffs' Counterstatement of Material Facts ("CSMF") [DE 375-1] ¶ 205. Less than a week later, on August 14, Commander Herrera approved the "Manual on the Use of Force." Id. ¶ 206; Plaintiffs' Ex. BBBB (Resolution 11/02). Among other things, the "Manual on the Use of Force" characterized "roadblocks, marches, [and] demonstrations" as subversive acts and authorized the use of military force against "subversive elements trying to prevent Army Units from accomplishing their constitutional missions and the orders received." Plaintiffs' Ex. YYY (Manual on the Use of Force at 13-14). It specified, though, that "[t]he use of legal violence is only justified in situations of extreme necessity, and as a last resort when all appropriate methods of persuasion have failed." Id. at 14. Five months later, on January 12, 2003, Commander Herrera released the "Republic Plan." CSMF ¶ 207. Under this plan, the Bolivian National Army was to "apply the Principles of Mass and Shock" to, inter alia , remove roadblocks and control civil disturbances. Plaintiffs' Ex. ZZZ (Republic Plan at 1).

One of Defendant Lozada's policy aims in his second term was to raise domestic revenue by exporting Bolivia's natural gas reserves. See, e.g., Plaintiffs' Ex. BB (Bedoya Dep. Tr. 75:22-78:10). This plan had been initiated by the prior administration. Defendants' Ex. 48 (Berindoague Dep. Tr. 76:22-77:5). The parties dispute whether a decision was ever finalized to export natural gas through Chile. Nevertheless, Defendants concede that "some members of the public believed that Bolivia was going to sell gas through Chile, and, indeed, to Chile itself." SMF ¶ 16. The plan to export Bolivia's natural gas reserves, and a number of other issues, led to protests in Bolivia in 2003. See, e.g., Plaintiffs' Ex. L (del Granado Decl. ¶¶ 8, 11, 16-17).

Peaceful, negotiated solutions to these protests were unsuccessful. Instead, Defendants employed military force on multiple occasions, leading to civilian deaths. For instance, in January 2003, Defendant Lozada participated in negotiations in Cochabamba aimed at addressing rising tensions between coca farmers in the Chapare region of Bolivia and the Bolivian military. Plaintiffs' Ex. B (Albarracín Decl. ¶ 16). The negotiations were initially successful and a tentative agreement was reached; however, after Defendant Berzaín entered the room and indicated his opposition to the tentative agreement, Defendant Lozada changed his position and the deal fell apart. Id. The Bolivian government ultimately employed military force in Chapare, resulting in four deaths and dozens of injuries. Id.

In February 2003, the government again employed military force against protesters, this time in Bolivia's capital, La Paz, resulting in 33 deaths, including civilians. Id. ¶ 20; Plaintiffs' Ex. L (del Granado Decl. ¶¶ 8-9). When the mayor of La Paz called Defendant Berzaín to express concern about the violence and the need to pacify the city, Defendant Berzaín said: "Mayor, if there are 5 dead, it doesn't matter if there are 50 more, as long as we solve the problem." Plaintiffs' Ex. L (del Granado Decl. ¶ 9). Shortly after the events of February 2003, Defendant Berzaín left the government-though he maintains that his resignation was unconnected to the violence. Plaintiffs' Ex. VV (Berzaín Dep. Tr. 106-108).

In March 2003, in response to the violence of February, the Permanent Assembly of Human Rights of Bolivia-a nongovernmental human rights organization-sought to address the rising tensions in Bolivia by inviting all of the country's political parties and social organizations to a meeting to discuss an agreement to promote national unity. Plaintiffs' Ex. B (Albarracín Decl. ¶ 21). The only political party that did not attend was Defendants' party, the National Revolutionary Movement, which had sent an observer without authority to participate. Id. The meeting failed to produce an agreement. Id.

B. The Events of September 2003 in Sorata and Warisata

The most significant protests began in September 2003, and by the second week of September, peasant leaders went on a hunger strike in El Alto, Bolivia and began a blockade of roads in the high plateau region (the "altiplano "). Plaintiffs' Ex. L (del Granado Decl. ¶ 11). These roadblocks led to approximately 1,000 tourists in Sorata, Bolivia-there to celebrate a popular annual religious festival-becoming stranded in the town. See Defendants' Ex. 11 (Three Prosecutors' Rep. at 454); Defendants' Ex. 61 (Ramirez Dep. Tr. 50:8-51:18, 129:18-23). The parties dispute how dire the situation in Sorata became as the blockade continued for over a week, but there is evidence that food supplies were running low and that, while some tourists were able to leave, others were unable. See, e.g., Defendants' Ex. 61 (Ramirez Dep. Tr. 74:11-19); Defendants' Ex. 98 (Ramirez Dep. Tr. 131:19-133:21); Plaintiffs' Ex. QQQ (Ramirez Dep. Tr. 37:2-5); Plaintiffs' Ex. J (Davis Decl. ¶ 7). There is also evidence that diplomatic representatives, concerned for the safety and security of their citizens, demanded that Bolivia's government intervene. Defendants' Ex. 11 (Three Prosecutors' Rep. at 454).

Amidst these rising tensions, Defendant Berzaín had returned to the cabinet as Minister of Defense sometime in August 2003. Plaintiffs' Ex. VV (Berzaín Dep. Tr. 108). Between September 10 and 12, 2003, the Republic Plan was put into effect by the military. Plaintiffs' Ex. NN (Transcript, Audio Recording of Trial of Responsibilities Testimony of Juan Veliz Herrera at 2-4). Additionally, in September 2003, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces issued a "Red Alert"-[redacted].

Community leaders from Sorata met with their counterparts in Warisata, Bolivia on September 18 to negotiate how to get the tourists out of Sorata over the coming days. Plaintiffs' Ex. N (García Decl. ¶ 3). , Two days later, however, the Bolivian government sent in a convoy of army and police forces to transport the tourists (and ultimately some Sorata residents who decided to leave due to the situation) out of Sorata. Defendants' Ex. 11 (Three Prosecutors' Rep. at 455). Defendant Berzaín also arrived in Sorata on September 20-with Defendant Lozada's authorization-and local community leaders spoke with Defendant Berzaín to discuss a plan to transport people through the roadblocks, including those in Warisata, without military interference. Plaintiffs' Ex. N (García Decl. ¶ 8); Plaintiffs' Ex. VV (Berzaín Dep. Tr. 121:15-122:14, 124:16-125:18). Defendant Berzaín, who was in ongoing contact with Defendant Lozada, rejected the non-military alternative, stating to the community leaders that there were orders from the government to remove the tourists "the good way or the bad way" and that "if you oppose this, you will face consequences." Plaintiffs' Ex. N

(García Decl. ¶¶ 9-10); Plaintiffs' Ex. RR (Lozada Dep. Tr. 216:7-18); Plaintiffs' Ex. VV (Berzaín Dep. Tr. 122:11-13). As he continued to be pressed by community leaders, Defendant Berzaín responded: "Fucking Indians, I'm going to shoot you. Leave me to do my work." Plaintiffs' Ex. N (García Decl. ¶ 14). Defendant Berzaín then ordered military officers to look for bus drivers to transport the tourists. Id. ¶ 15.

Also on September 20, a meeting took place in El Alto between government officials and community leaders in an effort to resolve the conflict peacefully. Defendants' Ex. 58 (Harb Dep. Tr. 30:11-33:3). These negotiations were ongoing and had yet to reach an impasse when they ended abruptly after the community leaders received phone calls about the military operation to escort the tourists out of Sorata. Id. at 33:12-33:25, 40:12-41:11.

Late in the morning on September 20, the military convoy accompanying the buses of tourists left Sorata for La Paz, by way of Warisata. See, e.g., Plaintiffs' Ex. S (Smith Decl. ¶ 14); Plaintiffs' Ex. N (García Decl. ¶ 17). Defendant Berzaín departed Sorata by helicopter. Plaintiffs' Ex. VV (Berzaín Dep. Tr. 126-27). [redacted]

On the way from Sorata to Warisata, people on the buses observed soldiers firing at unarmed civilians. Plaintiffs' Ex. J (Davis Decl. ¶ 13); Plaintiffs' Ex. S (Smith Decl. ¶¶ 18-25). There is some evidence that civilians threw rocks at the convoy, and even used dynamite. See Defendants' Ex. 11 (Three Prosecutors' Rep. at 455); Plaintiffs' Ex. S (Smith Decl. ¶ 16). There is also evidence, however, that at the times when soldiers fired upon civilians en route to Warisata, the civilians were not throwing rocks or otherwise posing a threat to the convoy. Plaintiffs' Ex. S (Smith Decl. ¶ 20); Plaintiffs' Ex. J (Davis Decl. ¶¶ 13, 16).

By the afternoon of September 20, the buses reached Warisata but stopped for approximately two hours on the road before entering the town. Plaintiffs' Ex. S (Smith Decl. ¶ 27). [redacted] Shortly afterwards, Defendant Lozada signed a written order directing General Gonzalo Rocabado, the acting Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, to use "necessary force" to restore order. Id. at 67:23-69:13; Defendants' Ex. 20 (Sept. 20, 2003 Pres. Decree); Plaintiffs' Ex. RR (Lozada Dep. Tr. 229:12-232:7). General Rocabado then issued Directive 27/03, which created a Joint Task Force whose mission was to carry out "Internal Defense of Territory" ("DIT") operations "and restore public order and the Rule of Law." Defendants' Ex. 72 (Directive 27/03).

In addition to the convoy, other soldiers arrived in Warisata from the opposite direction at approximately 3:00 p.m. on September 20. Plaintiffs' Ex. A (Vargas Decl. ¶ 15). The army and police forces in Warisata were fired upon from the hills and some local homes, and soldiers and policemen were killed. Defendants' Ex. 11 (Three Prosecutors' Rep. at 455). There is also evidence, however, that the military shot indiscriminately at civilians when there were no armed civilians firing shooting at the soldiers. See Plaintiffs' Ex. A (Vargas Decl. ¶¶ 17, 19-22); Plaintiffs' Ex. QQ (Rojas Mamani Dep. Tr. 75:12-77:3). Soldiers were ordered to switch from non-lethal to lethal munitions and to "shoot anything that moves." Plaintiffs' Ex. A (Vargas Decl. ¶¶ 17-18). They "were never, in any way, warned that [they] should try to avoid civilian casualties." Id. ¶ 5. Soldiers proceeded on foot down the main avenue of Warisata, while special forces with "ski masks, helmets, radios ... and specialized guns" moved through the backside of town to "take the hill." Id. ¶ 19. Soldiers were repeatedly ordered to shoot at anything that moved, with a superior at one point telling them that, "[i]f you see a fly, shoot." Id. ¶ 20. The military shot at civilians, into houses, and at windows despite not seeing any civilians shooting back. Id. ¶¶ 20-22.

For three to four hours, the military advanced and reached the home of decedent Marlene Nancy Rojas Mamani ("Decedent Marlene Mamani") in Warisata. Plaintiffs' Ex. QQ (Rojas Mamani Dep. Tr. 77:15-23); Plaintiffs' Ex. PP (Ramos Mamani Dep. Tr. 22:7-24:16). Decedent Marlene Mamani, an eight-year-old girl, was fatally shot by a single bullet while standing at the window of her home. Plaintiffs Ex. PP (Ramos Mamani Dep. Tr. 22:7-24:16). After Decedent Marlene Mamani was shot, her mother looked out the window and the only people she saw were soldiers. Id. In addition to Decedent Marlene Mamani, at least two other civilians were killed in Warisata on September 20, and several more were injured. Defendants' Ex. 11 (Three Prosecutors' Rep. at 455).

C. The Events of October 12, 2003 in El Alto

In response to reports of the military's use of force against civilians, opponents of the Lozada government began significant campaigns of civil disobedience in and around La Paz. These campaigns took the form of protests, marches, roadblocks, general strikes, and demonstrations. Their central focal point was the city of El Alto, which is located on a high plateau that stands above La Paz and contains one of the main roads going in and out of the capital. See Defendants' Ex. 43 (Bedoya Dep. Tr. 199:15-200:20); Defendants' Ex. 46 (Bedoya Dep. Tr. 199:15-200:20); Plaintiffs' Ex. N (García Decl. ¶¶ 28-30); Plaintiffs Ex. T (Soria Decl. ¶ 4); Plaintiffs' Ex. U (Zabala Decl. ¶¶ 4-5, 8-9). The parties dispute the extent to which these protests impacted La Paz. At a minimum, however, it is undisputed that at times the city was brought to a standstill, public transportation was light (if not nonexistent), and stores, restaurants, and other businesses were mostly closed. See, e.g., Plaintiffs Ex. T (Soria Decl. ¶ 6); Plaintiffs' Ex. U (Zabala Decl. ¶ 11); Defendants' Ex. 48 (Berindoague Dep. Tr. 62:11-12); Defendants' Ex. 55 (Meruvia Dep. Tr. 18:13-19:10).

At the same time, the Lozada government continued its mobilization of the Armed Forces. Following the violence in Warisata on September 20, new soldiers, rations, and weapons arrived at the Ingavi barracks in El Alto. Plaintiffs' Ex. A (Aguilar Vargas Decl. ¶¶ 26, 28). Among the new units were Green Berets, tank crews, military police, and artillery regiments. Id. ¶ 26. Conscripts were directed to change from FAL rifles to M-16 automatic rifles, and were shown "how to load the guns and switch from single shot to machine gun burst." Id. ¶ 25. Beginning in early October, the military was seen El Alto, especially along Avenue Juan Pablo II; low-flying planes were seen as well. See Plaintiffs' Ex. E (Aramayo Decl. ¶ 8); Plaintiffs' Ex. T (Soria Decl. ¶ 7); Plaintiffs' Ex. U (Zabala Decl. ¶ 11). On October 8, the military detained civilians who were out on the street and brought them to the Ingavi barracks, where they were threatened and beaten. Plaintiffs' Ex. E (Aramayo Decl. ¶¶ 32, 40). In at least one instance, a detainee was taunted with racial slurs as officers pointed weapons at him and threatened to shoot. Id. ¶¶ 34-37, 41.

Events reached a tipping point starting on October 10. Late that evening, Defendant Berzaín held a meeting at the Ministry of Defense with top military officers, as well as leaders from the La Paz Gas Stations Association. Plaintiffs' Ex. O (Loza Decl. ¶¶ 12-13, 15-16). There, Defendant Berzaín emphasized the need to alleviate gas shortages by transporting gas to La Paz from the Senkata gas plant in El Alto. Id. ¶ 17. When told that a plan to use the military to transport gas would be risky, he became angry on more than one occasion and threatened to penalize gas station owners who did not cooperate. Id. ¶¶ 17-21. And when warned that a military operation could result in a fatal explosion, Defendant Berzaín responded: "There will be deaths, but there will also be gasoline." Id. ¶ 21. Defendant Berzaín nodded after a general proposed that the military be used to transport gasoline in La Paz, and the operation was planned during the meeting. Id. ¶ 22.

Meanwhile, the Lozada government rejected efforts by civil society groups to negotiate a peaceful end to the tensions. On the evening of October 11, representatives from the Catholic Church and the Permanent Assembly of Human Rights of Bolivia met with Defendant Lozada and his ministers. Plaintiffs' Ex. B (Albarracín Decl. 32-33). In order to show that the government was more responsive and less reliant on force, the representatives suggested that Defendant Lozada replace Defendant Berzaín and one other minister. Id. ¶ 34. When concerns were raised about civilian deaths, Defendant Lozada responded that force was necessary to restore order, saying: "If they want to dialogue about the gas, then we'll have dialogue; but if they want war over the gas, then they'll have war, and we'll shoot all the violent people in El Alto." Id. ¶ 35.

Also on October 11, Defendant Lozada issued, with the signed approval of his cabinet, Decree 27209. Defendants' Ex. 6 (Supreme Decree No. 27209). An order to the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, the decree declared a national emergency throughout Bolivia "in order to ensure a regular supply of liquid fuel to the people by protecting storage facilities and ensuring fuel shipments." Id. at 71. It ordered the Armed Forces to "assume control of shipments in tanker trucks and other vehicles and to secure storage facilities, pipelines, service stations, and all types of infrastructure needed to ensure regular distribution and supply of liquid fuels to the people of the Department of La Paz." Id. The Ministry of Defense was directed to "establish the mechanisms necessary" for the Armed Forces to execute its mission. Id. Finally, the decree provided that "[t]he Bolivian State guarantees compensation for any damage to property and persons that might occur as a result of compliance with the terms hereof." Id.

On October 12, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, General Roberto Claros Flores, issued Directives 33/03 and 34/03. Both directives cited Supreme Decree No. 27209 for authority. See Defendants' Ex. 73 (Directive 33/03); Defendants' Ex. 74 (Directive 34/03). Directive 33/03 created a Joint Task Force comprised of all three branches of the Armed Forces-the army, air force, and navy-to "perform [DIT] operations as of [the date of the order], throughout the entire national territory to restore public order and the rule of law with the purpose of ensuring that the population is able to carry out its normal activities." Defendants' Ex. 73 (Directive 33/03 at 262-63). Directive 33/03 ordered that the Joint Task Force be established in six areas of the country, id. at 263, and Directive 34/03 ordered a Joint Task Force specifically for El Alto. Defendants' Ex. 74 (Directive 34/03).

Also on October 12, protesters amassed on roads in El Alto and La Paz. Two locations hold particular relevance to this case. The first is the area near the Senkata gas plant, in the south of El Alto; the second is the Rio Seco area, in the north of El Alto. Eyewitness reports indicate that members of the Bolivian military indiscriminately shot at unarmed civilians in both locations.

Senkata .-Protesters in Senkata gathered outside the local gas plant on the morning of October 12. Plaintiffs' Ex. I (Castaño Decl. ¶¶ 12-14). There is evidence that "the mobilized civilian population ... armed with Mauser rifles and dynamite" carried out "attacks in the Senkata area of El Alto on the tanker trucks transporting gasoline to the city of La Paz." Defendants' Ex. 11 (Three Prosecutors' Report at 479). There is also evidence, however, that after military tanks and trucks exited the gas plant, an officer began shooting at unarmed civilians without warning as the civilians fled in different directions. Plaintiffs' Ex. I (Castaño Decl. ¶¶ 16-17). Specifically, near Colegio Jose Manuel Pando , one officer fired a machine gun down an alley at civilians, including children, who were fleeing and trying to hide. Id. ¶ 17. On the other side of the street, soldiers lined up in formation, pointed their guns "in the calculated way sharpshooters target people" and opened fire on civilians. Id. ¶ 18; see also id. ¶¶ 21-23. In another area of Senkata, near the Bolivia Bridge, soldiers were ordered to shoot at unarmed civilians. Plaintiffs' Ex. A (Aguilar Vargas Decl. ¶ 34). These soldiers "were using machine guns and sho[oting] like crazy at campesinos and women." Id. ¶ 38.

Decedent Lucio Santos Gandarillas Ayala ("Decedent Ayala") was shot and killed in the Senkata area on October 12. SMF ¶ 86; CSMF ¶¶ 86, 284. According to Plaintiff Sonia Espejo Villalobos, Decedent Ayala was traveling through Senkata to obtain cooking gas from his brother's house. Plaintiffs' Ex. K (Espejo Decl. ¶ 4); Plaintiffs Ex. HH (Espejo Dep. Tr. 31:3-13, 33:2-34:24). Decedent Ayala was wearing a red cap and a colorful yellow, red, and green jacket that day. Plaintiffs' Ex. K (Espejo Decl. ¶ 4); Plaintiffs' Ex. HH (Espejo Dep. Tr. 34:4-7). A witness to the military's targeting of civilians in Senkata saw a man wearing a yellow and green jacket get hit by a single gunshot in the vicinity of approximately a half dozen soldiers. Plaintiffs' Ex. I (Castano Decl. ¶¶ 18-19).

Rio Seco .-Protesters gathered in two areas of Rio Seco: the Ex Tranca and Rio Seco Bridge. See Plaintiffs' Ex. D (Apaza Morales Decl. ¶ 5); Plaintiffs' Ex. U (Zabala Decl. ¶¶ 10, 14). Flanked by trucks and tanks, two columns of armed soldiers advanced down Avenue Juan Pablo II toward the Río Seco Bridge. Plaintiffs' Ex. D (Apaza Morales Decl. ¶ 5); Plaintiffs' Ex. U (Zabala Decl. ¶¶ 10, 14). Soldiers were ordered to shoot at civilians in this area. Plaintiffs' Ex. P (Ortega Decl. ¶¶ 25-27). When a younger soldier refused to fire at civilians, he was shot by an officer in front of other soldiers. Id. ¶¶ 25-27. After the young soldier was shot, other soldiers began shooting at civilians in the area. Id. ¶¶ 27-28.

Three decedents in this case died in Rio Seco on October 12: Teodosia Teodosia Morales Mamani ("Decedent Teodosia Mamani"), Marcelino Carvajal Lucero ("Decedent Lucero"), and Roxana Apaza Cutipa ("Decedent Cutipa").

On Avenue Juan Pablo II near both the Ex Tranca and Rio Seco Bridge, a bullet came through the wall of the house where Decedent Teodosia Mamani, who was pregnant at the time, was sitting. SMF ¶¶ 101-02; CSMF ¶¶ 101-02, 289. She and her unborn child died two days later. SMF ¶ 102; CSMF ¶ 102. The military was seen firing at fleeing civilians in the area, and was outside of Decedent Teodosia Mamani's home when she was shot. See Plaintiffs Ex. D (Apaza Morales Decl. ¶¶ 9-22). Indeed, shortly before a bullet struck her, soldiers were pointing their guns at windows, including the windows of Decedent Teodosia Mamani's home. Id. ¶¶ 16, 18.

Decedent Lucero lived at 93 Avenue Juan Pablo II. SMF ¶ 108; CSMF ¶ 108. He was shot and killed on October 12 when a bullet came through the window of his second story home. SMF ¶¶ 107-08; CSMF ¶¶ 107-08, 296. Soldiers were seen marching and shooting along Avenue Juan Pablo II the afternoon Decedent Lucero was shot. Plaintiffs' Ex. C (Apaza Cutipa Decl. ¶¶ 13-15).

On the evening of October 12, Decedent Cutipa was shot and killed on the rooftop terrace of her home. SMF ¶ 92; CSMF ¶¶ 92, 297. Curious about the sounds they heard outside, Decedent Cutipa, her younger brother Guzmán Apaza Cutipa, and their cousin's three children went up to the rooftop terrace. Plaintiffs' Ex. C (Apaza Cutipa Decl. ¶¶ 9-10). Only Decedent Cutipa was tall enough to see over the roofs terrace without standing on anything. Id. ¶ 11. Mr. Apaza Cutipa and the others stood on bricks and boxes. Id. He saw tanks and military trucks pass by, with soldiers on top of them shooting in all directions. Id. ¶¶ 12-13. After a few minutes passed, Decedent Cutipa was shot in the head while peering over the terrace. Id. ¶ 18. At the time his sister was shot, Mr. Apaza Cutipa heard a shot come from where he had seen soldiers below on Avenue Juan Pablo II. Id.

D. The Events of October 13, 2003 in La Paz

There is some evidence that after the events of October 12, Defendant Lozada sought a dialogue with certain of El Alto's community leaders. See Defendants' Ex. 55 (Meruvia Dep. Tr. 68:12-69:18); Defendants' Exs. 12-14 (letters from Defendant Lozada to community leaders explaining that no decision to export natural gas had been finalized and calling for dialogue). Nevertheless, the violence persisted into the next day in a manner consistent with the violence of September 20 and October 12. Specifically, there is evidence that on October 13, military regiments shot indiscriminately at unarmed civilians in the Southern Zone of La Paz, in both the Animas Valley and Ovejuyo areas.

On October 13, there was a roadblock on the Ánimas Valley road. Defendants' Ex. 50 (Huanca Quispe Dep. Tr. 32:6-33:9). This road is the only road from Palca to La Paz. Defendants' Ex. 47 (Mamani Aguilar Dr. Tr. 32:5-6). Leading up to October 13, soldiers had been positioned to guard the road in Uni, in the Southern Zone of La Paz, so that nobody could block the road and protesters could not reach La Paz. Plaintiffs' Ex. M (Flores Limachi Decl. ¶¶ 4-6). On the morning of October 13, however, soldiers were ordered to move towards Chasquipampa-closer to La Paz on the Animas Valley road-because they were told that a large crowd of protesters had gathered there. Id. ¶¶ 7-8. As the soldiers made their way from Uni to Chasquipampa, protesters threw bottles, rocks, and firecrackers at them. Id. ¶ 8. After there was an explosion near the soldiers' trucks, they got out of their trucks and confronted the protesters, aiming their guns at the protesters to scare them. Id. ¶¶ 8-9. A soldier was then shot and killed by an unknown shooter. Id. ¶¶ 10-12.

The soldiers were ordered to change from non-lethal to lethal ammunition and "shoot anything that moves." Id. at ¶ 13. At this point, however, there is evidence that the soldiers were no longer in danger and that the civilians they were shooting at-who were in the hills above the road-were unarmed, hiding, and fleeing. See Plaintiffs' Ex. M (Flores Limachi Decl. ¶¶ 14, 39); Plaintiffs' Ex. R (Sirpa Decl. ¶¶ 8, 14, 45). The soldiers shot at civilians for approximately 45 minutes. See Plaintiffs' Ex. M (Flores Limachi Decl. ¶ 15). The soldiers were not being attacked and did not assume a defensive position, but shot at the civilians from the road, in the open. Plaintiffs' Ex. R (Sirpa Decl. ¶¶ 12-14).

As they ran low on ammunition, the soldiers retreated, continuing to shoot while they did so. Plaintiffs' Ex. M (Flores Limachi Decl. ¶ 15). After a helicopter arrived to replenish their ammunition, the soldiers were ordered to climb into the hills and continue shooting civilians, with their superiors instructing them: "whatever head you see, you need to shoot." Id. ¶¶ 16-20. There is evidence that, as with earlier in the day, civilians were not shooting at the military at this time either. Id. ¶ 18; Plaintiffs' Ex. R (Sirpa Decl. ¶¶ 18, 45).

Two of Plaintiffs' relatives were killed on October 13 in the Animas Valley area at approximately the same time as the shooting described above: decedents Arturo Mamani Mamani ("Decedent Arturo Mamani") and Jacinto Bernabé Roque ("Decedent Roque"). See SMF ¶¶ 125, 133. Plaintiff Gonzalo Mamani Aguilar, Decedent Arturo Mamani's son, was present at the location where his father and Decedent Roque were shot. Plaintiffs' Ex. MM (Mamani Aguilar Dep. Tr. 90:20-91:3, 102:10-25). Mr. Mamani Aguilar had left his home on the morning of October 13 to tend to his family's land and, while on his way, he witnessed the military moving through the area. Id. at 62-64. Mr. Mamani Aguilar was unable to make it to his family's land before the military began shooting "in different directions." Id. at 65:3-16, 91:17-22. He saw Decedent Roque attempting to hide from the military behind some tall straw on the hilltop they were both on (Huaichichuni), and crawled behind him, lying down behind the straw. Id. at 72:23-73:21, 82:23-85:21. Every time Mr. Mamani Aguilar or Decedent Roque attempted to move, the military fired towards them. Id. at 91:21-22. Decedent Roque was shot while Mr. Mamani Aguilar was still hiding behind him, and when Decedent Roque was shot, Mr. Mamani Aguilar was close enough that the blood splattered on his face. Id. at 90:20-91:16. Additionally, while hiding, Mr. Mamani Aguilar saw his father on the hilltop directly across from his position (Huaichichuro), and heard him cry out and slip after being shot. Id. at 74:15-75:2, 102:10-11, 115:8-24.

As the soldiers left the Animas Valley in military trucks on October 13, they proceeded back to their barracks, through the locality of Ovejuyo. Plaintiffs' Ex. M (Flores Limachi Decl. ¶¶ 25-26). They had orders to shoot as they passed through Ovejuyo, including at civilians who were throwing rocks and bottles at the soldiers. Id. ¶¶ 26-28. An officer in a military truck shot at fleeing civilians with a machine gun. Id. ¶ 29. That same afternoon in Ovejuyo, decedent Raul Ramon Huanca Márquez ("Decedent Márquez") was shot and killed. CSMF ¶ 314; Plaintiffs' Ex. Q (Pari Decl. ¶¶ 8-13); Defendants' Ex. 50 (Huanca Quispe Dep. Tr. 39:2-10, 45:13-23).

Decedent Márquez had left his home after lunch on October 13 to buy a Coca-Cola. Defendants' Ex. 50 (Huanca Quispe Dep. Tr. 38:21-25). Although Decedent Márquez and his daughter, Plaintiff Felicidad Rosa Huanca Quispe, heard gunfire earlier and although the stores on the main road in Ovejuyo were closed, Decedent Márquez went to try to buy a Coca-Cola from the store because "[h]e would always like to drink a cold one after lunch" and he believed the store's owner would sell him the beverage. Id. at 39:5-20. Decedent Márquez was later seen near a store, hiding behind a wooden light pole nearby approximately fifteen soldiers. Plaintiffs' Ex. Q (Pari Decl. ¶¶ 8-9, 12). He was unarmed. Id. ¶ 10. Decedent Márquez moved and an eyewitness, Juan Carlos Pari, heard "what sounded ... like a rifle shot" and saw Decedent Márquez grab the pole and fall backwards. Id. ¶ 13. The soldiers continued shooting "in all directions." Id. After the soldiers had passed through town, Ms. Huanca Quispe found her father's body on the street near the store. Defendants' Ex. 50 (Huanca Quispe Dep. Tr. 49:20-23).

After the above described events of September and October 2003, Defendant Lozada resigned under protest on October 17, 2003, and his cabinet, which included Defendant Berzaín, was dissolved. SMF ¶ 21. Following the Bolivian Congress' acceptance of Defendant Lozada's resignation, he and Defendant Berzaín left Bolivia for the United States. Id.

E. Military Structure and Authority

Defendant Lozada, as the President of Bolivia, was the Captain General of the Armed Forces. SMF ¶ 154. The Bolivian Constitution in effect in 2003 provided: "The Armed Forces are subordinate to the President of the Republic and receive their orders administratively through the Minister of Defense, and in technical matters, from the Commander in Chief." Defendants' Ex. 10 (Bol. Const. art. 210). The Organic Law of the Armed Forces ("Organic Law") in effect in Bolivia in 2003 provides: "The Commander in Chief of the National Armed Force is the highest Command and Decision-making body of a technical/operating nature, for the permanent coordination and direction of the Armed Forces." Defendants' Ex. 36 (Organic Law art. 36). Plaintiffs assert that this decision-making body is referred to as the "Command in Chief." CSMF ¶ 159. Regardless of the terminology, the Organic Law is clear that this entity is composed of the Commander in Chief, the Office of the Chief of the General Staff, the Inspectorate General, the General Staff, and the Office of the Commander in Chief. Defendants' Ex. 36 (Organic Law art. 37). It is also undisputed that the Commander in Chief takes orders from the President. Id. art. 29.

III. PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

This litigation began a decade ago and has a lengthy procedural history. Plaintiffs originally filed two separate suits on the same day in September 2007. Defendant Berzaín was sued in this Court, while Defendant Lozada was sued in the District of Maryland. The District of Maryland eventually transferred Defendant Lozada's case to this Court, where it was consolidated with Defendant Berzaín's case. Thereafter, Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint against both Defendants stating claims under the TVPA, the Alien Tort Statute ("ATS"), and state law. See DE 77.

Defendants moved for dismissal, and this Court disposed of that motion by way of two separate orders. The first order dismissed Plaintiffs' TVPA claims without prejudice for failure to exhaust their available Bolivian remedies. Mamani v. Berzaín, 636 F.Supp.2d 1326 (S.D. Fla. 2009) (" Mamani I"). The Court explained that Plaintiffs could not move forward on their TVPA claims until they obtained benefits under Bolivian Law No. 3955, which was enacted in November 2008 to provide additional monetary compensation to the heirs of those killed during the events of 2003. Id. at 1329-33. The Court's second order held that Plaintiffs stated plausible claims for extrajudicial killings and crimes against humanity under the ATS, but dismissed the balance of Plaintiffs' complaint. Mamani v. Berzaín, 2009 WL 10664387 (S.D. Fla. Nov. 25, 2009) (" Mamani II").

This Court then granted Defendants' motion to certify Plaintiffs' ATS claims for interlocutory review by the Eleventh Circuit and stayed all proceedings pending the completion of that appeal. The Eleventh Circuit reversed with instructions to dismiss, reasoning that Plaintiffs had failed to state claims for extrajudicial killings and crimes against humanity under the ATS. Mamani v. Berzaín, 654 F.3d 1148 (11th Cir. 2011) (" Mamani III").

On remand, this Court lifted its stay and Plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint. See DE 174. That complaint raises claims for extrajudicial killings under ATS and the TVPA, crimes against humanity under the ATS, and wrongful death under state law. Defendants again moved to dismiss, and this Court granted that motion in part and denied it in part. Mamani v. Berzaín. 21 F.Supp.3d 1353 (S.D. Fla. 2014) (" Mamani IV"). Applying the Supreme Court's decision in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co., 569 U.S. 108, 133 S.Ct. 1659, 185 L.Ed.2d 671 (2013), holding that the presumption against extraterritoriality applies to claims under the ATS, this Court determined that Plaintiffs' ATS claims do not touch and concern the United States with sufficient force to displace that presumption. Mamani IV, 21 F.Supp.3d at 1364-69. The Court consequently dismissed those claims for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction. Id. at 1369. Turning to Plaintiffs' TVPA claims, the Court reached two conclusions. First, Plaintiffs' prior recoveries from the Bolivian government did not preclude their TVPA claims against Defendants from moving forward. Id. at 1369-73. And second, Plaintiffs not only stated plausible claims for extrajudicial killings under the TVPA, but also sufficiently alleged that Defendants could be held secondarily liable under the doctrine of command responsibility. Id. at 1373-78. Finally, the Court declined to relinquish its supplemental jurisdiction over Plaintiffs' state-law claims for wrongful death on the ground that they involve novel or complex issues of Bolivian law. Id. at 1378-79.

This Court granted Defendants' motion to certify its TVPA exhaustion and command responsibility rulings for interlocutory appeal and once again stayed all proceedings. The Eleventh Circuit affirmed. Mamani v. Berzaín, 825 F.3d 1304 (11th Cir. 2016) (" Mamani V"). It agreed with this Court's exhaustion determination, but declined to address command responsibility. Id. at 1311-14. Defendants' petition for certiorari was denied by the Supreme Court. Lozada Sanchez Bustamante v. Mamani, --- U.S. ----, 137 S.Ct. 1579, 197 L.Ed.2d 705 (2017).

Following the Eleventh Circuit's decision in Mamani V, this Court lifted its stay and set the case for trial. The discovery period has now closed, and Defendants seek summary judgment.

IV. STANDARD

The Court will grant summary judgment if the pleadings, the discovery and disclosure materials on file, and any affidavits show "that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). The movant "bears the initial responsibility of informing the district court of the basis for its motion, and identifying those portions of [the record] which it believes demonstrate the absence of a genuine issue of material fact." Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). To discharge this burden, the movant must demonstrate a lack of evidence supporting the nonmoving party's case. Id. at 325, 106 S.Ct. 2548.

After the movant has met its burden under Rule 56, the burden of production shifts to the nonmoving party who "must do more than simply show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts." Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986). The nonmoving party may not rely merely on allegations or denials in its own pleading, but instead must come forward with specific facts showing a genuine issue for trial. Id. at 587, 106 S.Ct. 1348.

As long as the nonmoving party has had ample opportunity to conduct discovery, it must come forward with affirmative evidence to support its claim. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 257, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). "A mere 'scintilla' of evidence supporting the opposing party's position will not suffice; there must be enough of a showing that the jury could reasonably find for that party."

Walker v. Darby, 911 F.2d 1573, 1577 (11th Cir. 1990). If the evidence advanced by the nonmoving party is merely colorable, or is not significantly probative, summary judgment may be granted. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 249-50, 106 S.Ct. 2505.

V. EVIDENTIARY DISPUTES

As noted throughout Section II, supra, the parties argue that certain documents or categories of documents cited to support or dispute a fact are inadmissible in evidence. The Court will consider these objections in turn. With respect to each document, the burden is of course on the proponent "to show that the material is admissible as presented or to explain the admissible form that is anticipated." 2010 Advisory Committee Notes on Fed. R. Civ. P. 56, 28 U.S.C. App., p. 922.

A. Three Prosecutors' Report

Defendants rely extensively on an investigatory report prepared by three Bolivian prosecutors who were appointed by Bolivia's Chief Prosecutor to investigate the events of September and October 2003. See Defendants' Ex. 11 (Three Prosecutors' Rep.). The Three Prosecutors' Report was issued in late July 2004 after a ten-month investigation. See Defendants' Ex. 102 (Ltr. from Three Pros. to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights at 523). Plaintiffs argue that the Three Prosecutors' Report is inadmissible hearsay because: (1) it is only a preliminary report that the Bolivian government ultimately declined to adopt; and (2) there is no "specific evidentiary basis for [the Report's] findings or the extent of its investigative efforts." CSMF ¶ 27. Defendants assert that the Three Prosecutors' Report is admissible under the public records exception to the hearsay rule. See Defendants' Reply Statement of Material Facts in Support of Their Motion for Summary Judgment ("Reply SMF") [DE 384] ¶ 27 (citing Fed. R. Evid. 803(8)(A)(ii)-(iii) ). The Court agrees.

The public records exception to the rule against hearsay provides that "[a] record or statement of a public office" is not excluded as hearsay:

(A) if it sets out:

(i) the office's activities;

(ii) a matter observed while under a legal duty to report, but not including, in a criminal case, a matter observed by law-enforcement personnel; or

(iii) in a civil case or against the government in a criminal case, factual findings from a legally authorized investigation; and

(B) the opponent does not show that the source of information or other circumstances indicate a lack of trustworthiness.

Fed. R. Evid. 803(8).

Plaintiffs do not dispute that the Three Prosecutors' Report is a record of a public office that was prepared in conjunction with an authorized investigation. And while Plaintiffs are correct that Rule 803"makes no exception for tentative or interim reports subject to revision and review," CSMF ¶ 27 (quoting Toole v. McClintock, 999 F.2d 1430, 1434-35 (11th Cir. 1993) ), the Three Prosecutors Report was presented to the magistrate judge as the prosecutors' "final report," and sent to the Chief Prosecutor and the Committees of the House of Representatives, see Defendants' Ex. 102 (Ltr. from Three Pros. to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights at 523-24). Thus, the Three Prosecutors' Report is unlike the FDA report that was excluded in Toole, as that FDA report contained only " 'proposed' findings" and specifically "invited public comment and forecasted the issuance of a 'final' document after more study." 999 F.2d at 1434.

Additionally, the fact that the Three Prosecutors' Report was subsequently disregarded by different prosecutors who were appointed-seemingly for political reasons-to replace its authors, see Plaintiffs' Ex. SSS (Resolution No. 091/04, Revocation of Rejection Resolution 16/04), is no reason to find that the Report falls outside the Rule 803(8)(A)(iii) exception. Plaintiffs offer no support for the proposition that a final investigatory report is outside of this exception merely because subsequent litigation occurs. In any event, the Court does not accord great weight to the Bolivian government's decision to disregard the Three Prosecutors' Report, as that decision appears to have been politically motivated to support the popular view that members of Defendant Lozada's Military High Command should be tried for their role in the events of September and October 2003, despite the recommendation to the contrary contained in the Three Prosecutors' Report. See Defendants' Ex. 102 (Ltr. from Three Pros. to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights at 524-25).

Lastly, Plaintiffs are simply incorrect that the Three Prosecutors' Report fails to explain the evidentiary basis for its conclusions or the investigative efforts involved in the production of the Report. The Report describes how its conclusions are the product of, inter alia , field work performed at over 17 locations, witness interviews, the collection of physical evidence and written statements, and ballistics analyses. Defendants' Ex. 11 (Three Prosecutors' Rep. at 468-473). In sum, the Court finds that the Three Prosecutors' Report falls under the Rule 803(8)(A)(iii) exception and that Plaintiffs have failed to meet their burden of showing that it is not trustworthy. Not only do Plaintiffs fail to offer any valid reasons as to why the Three Prosecutors' Report is untrustworthy, but the fact that the prosecutors affirmed their findings, even after they were subject to "all manner of intimidation, threats, insults, and attacks on [their] dignity and [their] lives" for "fail[ing] to present the conclusions that would have been politically expedient for the government," suggests that the Report is the product of an impartial investigation and sufficiently trustworthy. Defendants' Ex. 102 (Ltr. from Three Pros. to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights at 252-256).

B. Military and other Bolivian Government Reports

Defendants also rely extensively on military and other Bolivian government reports. See Defendants' Ex. 15 (Police Intelligence Rep.); Defendants' Ex. 32 (Social Conflict Field Diary); Defendants' Ex. 33 (Military Intelligence Rep.); Defendants' Ex. 35 (Police Rep.). Plaintiffs argue that these documents are hearsay and may not be considered. CSMF ¶ 45. Defendants assert that the documents are admissible under either the Rule 803(6) business records exception, the Rule 803(8) public records exception, or the Rule 807 residual exception. Reply SMF ¶¶ 45, 83, 120. As discussed below, the Court finds that these military and police reports are hearsay and are not admissible under the exceptions listed in either Rule 803 or 807.

First, Defendants half-hearted argument that the military reports-Defendants' Exhibits 32 and 33-are admissible under the Rule 803(6) business records exception warrants little discussion. Rule 803(6) permits the introduction of certain business records if kept in the course of a regularly conducted business activity and if it was the regular practice of that business activity to make the record. Fed. R. Evid. 803(6). But Rule 803(6) requires that a proper foundation be laid for the admission of business records. See Fed. R. Evid. 803(6)(D) ; United States v. Garnett, 122 F.3d 1016, 1018-19 (11th Cir. 1997) (per curiam) (" Fed. R. Evid. 803(6) requires the testimony of a custodian or other qualified witness who can explain the record-keeping procedure utilized."). Defendants have not submitted the affidavit of "a custodian or other qualified witness" and there is no indication they can offer any such testimony at trial. Thus, the military and police reports are admissible, if at all, only under the Rule 803(8) public records exceptions or the Rule 807 residual exception.

As noted above, under Rule 803(8), a record or statement of a public office is not excluded as hearsay if it sets out either "a matter observed while under a legal duty to report" or "factual findings from a legally authorized investigation" and the opponent does not show that the record or statement, or other circumstances, indicate a lack of trustworthiness. In contrast with the Three Prosecutors' Report discussed above, none of the military and police reports relied upon by Defendants appear to set out "factual findings from a legally authorized investigation" as required for admissibility under Rule 803(8)(A)(iii). Defendants argue, however, that the authors of these reports were legally bound to report the matters described therein, and that the reports are therefore admissible under Rule 803(8)(A)(ii). But even assuming the existence of a legal duty to report, to fall under Rule 803(8), the matters observed while under that legal duty must be " 'based upon the knowledge or observations of the preparer of the report,' as opposed to a mere collection of statements from a witness." United Techs. Corp. v. Mazer, 556 F.3d 1260, 1278 (11th Cir. 2009) (quoting Miller v. Field, 35 F.3d 1088, 1091 (6th Cir. 1994) ). "In other words, placing otherwise inadmissible hearsay statements by third-parties into a government report does not make the statements admissible." Id. (brackets and internal quotation marks omitted). Notably, even if the military and police reports do not "explicitly paraphrase the words of others," they can be hearsay if "the only conceivable explanation" for how the information was obtained was by "listening to the statements of others." United States v. Ransfer, 749 F.3d 914, 925 (11th Cir. 2014) (quoting United States v. Baker, 432 F.3d 1189, 1206 (11th Cir. 2005) ).

The military and police reports offered by Defendants do not fall under the Rule 803(8) public records exception because there is no indication that the events described in these reports are based on the personal observations of the preparers of the reports, rather, "the only conceivable explanation" for how the information was obtained was by listening to the hearsay statements of third-parties. See id. Starting with the Police Intelligence Report (Defendants' Ex. 15), the events described in this report are military encounters with civilians on October 12, 2003, and there is no indication that the police, much less the preparer of the report, were present to personally observe the encounters. Rather, the report repeatedly and expressly conveys what has been reported by third-parties. See Defendants' Ex. 15 (Police Intelligence Rep. at 797) ("[R]ight now, clashes are being reported."); id. at 806 (stating that after soldiers intervened in an incident, "[o]ne person was reported injured as a result"); id. at 807 (Stating that a military contingent "continue[s] to be attacked with dynamite and gunfire, allegedly from Mauser rifles."); id. at 821 (Stating that "[t]here are reportedly four people ... who have been wounded as a result of all the clashes.").

The other police report relied upon by Defendants (Defendants' Ex. 35) fares no better. Like the Police Intelligence Report, it is clearly based not on the preparer's personal observations, but on the hearsay statements of others. It also describes an encounter between the military-not the police-and civilians, and is expressly based upon the statements of third-party witnesses. See Defendants' Ex. 35 (Police Rep. at 9747) (noting that the report is based in part on "a statement made by Mr. Agustín Sirpa Ortiz, (witness)," that "it was reported that ... Captain Belmonte declared ...," and noting the existence of statements from five additional witnesses).

Finally, the military reports-Defendants' Exhibit 32 (Social Conflict Field Diary) and Defendants' Exhibit 33 (Military Intelligence Rep.)-do not fall under the Rule 803(8) public records exception either. The "Social Conflict Field Diary" describes in detail-over the course of approximately forty pages-military operations from September 11, 2003 to October 21, 2003 in a multitude of different locations in Bolivia, yet it is only signed by one person: Brigadier General Miguel Angel Vidaurre Noriega. See Defendants' Ex. 32 (Social Conflict Field Diary at 5354). It is unclear whether Brigadier General Noriega is the sole preparer of the Social Conflict Field Diary, but regardless, the observations contained therein could not conceivably have been obtained without the statements of third-parties who were actually on the ground in the numerous encounters described. Similarly, the Military Intelligence Report (Defendants' Ex. 33) is only signed by one person and describes a number of clashes in different areas of Bolivia in October 2003. There is no attribution as to the source of any of the information described in the Military Intelligence Report, but again, it is safe to say that the this information is not based on the knowledge or observations of the preparer of the report.

As indicated above, Defendants argue that if the Court refuses to admit the military and police reports under Rules 803(6) or 803(8), the Court should admit these exhibits under the Rule 807 residual exception. Rule 807 provides that, even if a statement fails to fall under an exception in Rule 803 or 804, it is not excluded by the rule against hearsay if:

(1) the statement has equivalent circumstantial guarantees of trustworthiness;

(2) it is offered as evidence of a material fact;

(3) it is more probative on the point for which it is offered than any other evidence that the proponent can obtain through reasonable efforts; and

(4) admitting it will best serve the purposes of these rules and the interests of justice.

Fed. R. Evid. 807(a). "Congress intended the residual hearsay exception to be used very rarely, and only in exceptional circumstances, and it applies only when certain exceptional guarantees of trustworthiness exist and when high degrees of probativeness and necessity are present." United Techs., 556 F.3d at 1279 (brackets, citations, and internal quotation marks omitted). The Court cannot find that "equivalent circumstantial guarantees of trustworthiness" exist with respect to the military and police reports. Defendants argue that the military reports bear "reliability indicia" because they "are signed by their authors and bear the seal of the Bolivian military." Reply SMF ¶ 45. But that is far from enough for the Court to find that "exceptional guarantees of trustworthiness exist" with respect to reports prepared by the military concerning highly controversial and highly publicized clashes between the military and civilians that resulted in numerous civilian deaths and led to criminal charges in Bolivia against many former military officers. The same is true with respect to the police reports. While Defendants argue that "the police officers had no incentive to provide false information," id. ¶ 83, the fact remains that the police reports concern an exceptionally fraught time in Bolivia with respect to relations between the government and its citizens in general. Moreover, much of the information in the police reports appears to have originated from the military.

Finally, Defendants argue that if the Court refuses to admit the military and police records under a hearsay exception, it should consider these reports for the non-hearsay purpose of the effect they had on Defendant Lozada and his decision to order military involvement in September and October 2003. Reply SMF ¶ 45. The Court agrees that this is a potentially proper non-hearsay purpose for admission of the military and police reports. But at least at the summary judgment stage, the Court cannot consider the military and police reports for this purpose because there is no evidence in the record showing that Defendant Lozada specifically relied upon any of the military and police reports being offered by Defendants prior to making any of the decisions at issue in these cases.

C. U.S. State Department Cables

Plaintiffs object to Defendants' reliance on five U.S. State Department cables (Defendants' Exs. 1-5) and argue that the cables are hearsay. CSMF ¶ 38. Defendants counter that the cables are admissible under either the Rule 803(6) business records exception, the Rule 803(8) public records exception, or the Rule 807 residual exception. Reply SMF ¶ 38. For many of the same reasons discussed above in connection with the Bolivian military and police reports, the Court finds that the State Department cables are hearsay and are not admissible under the exceptions listed in Rules 803 or 807.

Starting with the business records exception, Defendants have failed to lay a foundation for admission of the State Department cables under Rule 803(6). See Section V.B., supra, The cables also do not fall under the Rule 803(8) public records exception because, like the police and military reports, they are clearly based not on the preparer's personal observations, but on the statements of others. For instance, with respect to the shootings in Warisata in September 2003, the cables do not appear to relay what an embassy official actually observed on the ground, but they simply report the Bolivian military's position-that the military convoy was ambushed-and then note that the "Campesino version is that the security forces fire[d] first at llabaya, outside Warisata ...." Defendants Ex. 1 (State Department Cable at 27). Many of the cables are also based on media reports, which are obviously themselves hearsay. See, e.g., Defendants Ex. 2 (State Department Cable at 32-34). While the Court does not rule out the possibility that some portions of the State Department cables are based on the observations of the (unidentified) preparer, these statements are immaterial to the Court's analysis and are substantially duplicative of other evidence that the Court has considered, including, inter alia , the Three Prosecutors' Report.

Finally, the statements contained in the State Department cables may not be admitted under the Rule 807 residual exception, albeit for a different reason than the Bolivian military and police records fail to qualify for admission under Rule 807. Specifically, the Court finds that while the cables do bear exceptional guarantees of trustworthiness, they still may not be admitted under the residual exception because they are not "more probative on the point for which [they are] offered than any other evidence that the [Defendants] can obtain through reasonable efforts." Fed. R. Evid. 807(a)(3). With respect to trustworthiness, the Court finds it sufficient that the cables are signed by the then-U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia and identified as Department of State materials, as the Court agrees with Defendants that the State Department had no incentive to do anything but report the situation in Bolivia fairly and accurately.

However, as noted above, Rule 807 still requires that, in addition to a showing of trustworthiness, the proponent show that the document offered is more probative than any other evidence on the point for which it is offered than the proponent can obtain through reasonable efforts. Defendants only argue that this is true with respect to the State Department cables "because the U.S. government denied Defendants' request to depose the Ambassador." Reply SMF ¶ 38. But Defendants' inability to depose the Ambassador does not preclude Defendants from attempting to obtain other evidence concerning the events described in the State Department cables, and indeed, Defendants have done so in many cases. Moreover, Defendants have failed to show an inability to reasonably obtain other evidence with respect to any specific point for which they offer a State Department cable, though the Court does not rule out the possibility that Defendants may be able to make such a showing at trial.

D. Hayden's Report

The Court briefly notes that Defendants have moved to exclude the testimony of a number of Plaintiffs' experts, including, most relevant to the instant Motion, Phillip P. Hayden. See DE 337. Mr. Hayden reviewed ballistics evidence of the shootings at issue in these cases, conducted witness interviews and site visits, and opines that the decedents in these cases were intentionally shot and killed by members of the Bolivian military. See DE 337-4 (Report of Phillip P. Hayden). Defendants contend that Mr. Hayden's testimony is inadmissible, and even if it were admissible, it "cannot alone defeat summary judgment." DE 342-1 at 23. The Court will address Defendants' motion to exclude Mr. Hayden's testimony in a separate order, because as explained below, Plaintiffs have put forth sufficient evidence to raise genuine disputes of material fact even without consideration of Mr. Hayden's testimony.

VI. DISCUSSION

The Court will now address the merits of Defendants' summary judgment Motion. As noted above, Defendants make four main challenges to Plaintiffs' claims. First, Defendants assert that, based on the evidence in the record, a reasonable jury could not conclude that any of the eight decedents' deaths meet the TVPA's definition of an extrajudicial killing. Second, Defendants say that there is no evidence by which they could be held indirectly liable for decedents' deaths. Third, Defendants raise an assortment of challenges to the legal viability of Plaintiffs' wrongful death claims. And fourth, Defendants assert that the claims of Plaintiffs Sonia Espejo Villalobos and Gonzalo Mamani Aguilar contain various deficiencies. The Court will consider each point in turn.

A. Extrajudicial Killings

1. Legal Principals

The TVPA provides:

An individual who, under actual or apparent authority, or color of foreign nation ... subjects an individual to extrajudic